PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — A disturbing incident in Puerto Princesa City has once again placed the spotlight on the safety of minors—particularly LGBTQ+ youth—in vulnerable and isolated communities. A 16-year-old LGBTQ+ individual was allegedly the target of an attempted sexual assault at around 11 a.m. on February 3, 2026, in Sitio Pulang Lupa, Barangay Napsan. What began as a simple errand ended in a terrifying ordeal that could have had far more tragic consequences.

According to police reports from Station 6, the teenager, an out-of-school youth and resident of Barangay Montible, was asked by a relative to deliver important documents to a nearby neighbor. While on the way home, the victim was allegedly accosted by a 56-year-old man, identified only as “Vince,” a former inmate and a resident of the same area. Authorities said the suspect was waiting in a secluded and overgrown portion of the road, a location that offered little chance for immediate help.

Fear played a critical role in the situation. The suspect was reportedly armed with a bladed weapon, and the isolation of the area left the victim unable to call for assistance. Despite this, the teenager managed to resist, escape, and flee to safety—an act of courage that likely prevented a far worse outcome.

Police, with the help of barangay officials, conducted a follow-up operation that led to the suspect’s arrest at his residence. He is now in police custody and faces charges of attempted rape under Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.

Beyond the crime itself, this incident raises deeper concerns. It exposes how LGBTQ+ youth, especially those out of school and living in rural or poorly monitored areas, remain disproportionately at risk. It also forces communities to confront uncomfortable questions about child protection, community vigilance, and whether existing systems truly provide safe spaces for all young people—regardless of gender identity. As investigations continue, one question lingers: How many close calls must it take before stronger, more inclusive safeguards are put in place to protect LGBTQ+ minors from harm? (Larawan mula sa: William Proetta Criminal Law / Google)