By CNN Philippines Staff

Published Aug 23, 2022 12:42:22 PM

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 23) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and Senator Imee Marcos on Monday expressed concern on the reported abductions and killings of young girls in Central Luzon and Calabarzon in the past weeks.

The CHR cited two instances of human rights violations committed against female minors in Bulacan and Laguna this month.

The agency said a 15-year-old female biker was found dead on Aug. 12 in a grassy area in Brgy. Bonga Menor, Bustos, Bulacan three days after she was reported missing. Her body bore bruises and cigarette burns.

The police arrested the suspect in Camarines Sur on Aug. 18. The suspect is facing criminal complaints for rape with homicide.

The CHR said the second incident involves a seven-year-old girl found naked and dead inside a sack at the back of a house in Pila, Laguna on Aug. 15. Her body had signs of abuse.

CHR Executive Director Jacqueline Ann de Guia said the incidents are alarming, especially at a time when more children are returning to face-to-face classes.

“Crimes such as these further compound the challenges faced, particularly of girl children, during their formative years and should alarm the government to act on these concerns, alongside issues of gender equality, exclusion, and lack of access to opportunities for education and empowerment,” she wrote in a statement.

Meanwhile, Marcos urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct a more thorough investigation, citing the case of the teenage biker.

“Hinihiling ko sa PNP at NBI na agarang imbestigahan at patawan ng parusa ang sinumang salarin sa pagkawala ng mga indibidwal, lalo na ang mga kabataang babae na ginahasa at brutal pang pinatay. Dapat wala silang sasantuhin,” she said.

[Translation: I am asking the PNP and NBI to investigate and file appropriate charges against the suspects, especially the suspect in the case involving the young female who was raped and brutally killed. They should spare no one.]

The CHR said its regional offices in Central Luzon and Calabarzon are investigating the cases.