MANILA, Philippines — Abra Representative JB Bernos has urged the Philippine National Police (PNP) to train male officers to properly handle violence against women and children (VAWC) cases, stressing that gender sensitivity should not be limited to female police personnel.

Bernos, who serves as vice chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety, made the call following the PNP’s recent move to deploy more female officers to barangays in response to rising VAWC cases. He acknowledged the importance of having policewomen on the frontlines but emphasized that male officers must also be equipped with the necessary skills and training to respond effectively.

“I believe that deploying more women officers is a good step. But for the long-term, I hope the PNP continues to enhance its gender-sensitivity and humanistic trainings so that even male cops can better respond not only to cases of abuse and violence against women and children, but to all cases,” Bernos said.

The PNP already has protocols under the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and their Children, which include education and training programs for officers to ensure gender responsiveness in handling sensitive cases. These measures aim to strengthen collaboration with barangay officials, government agencies, and civic organizations in preventing VAWC.

Bernos’ statement highlights the need for inclusivity in law enforcement training, pointing out that while female officers are often seen as more approachable in VAWC cases, male officers should not be excluded from developing the same competencies. He argued that empowering all police personnel with gender-sensitive training would improve the overall response to abuse cases and ensure victims receive proper support regardless of which officer is available.

The call comes amid growing concerns over the rising number of VAWC incidents nationwide. Advocates have long pushed for stronger institutional measures to protect women and children, noting that the effectiveness of law enforcement depends on both policy and practice. Bernos’ proposal underscores the importance of equipping every officer, regardless of gender, with the tools to handle these cases with empathy and professionalism.

This initiative, if implemented, could mark a significant step toward a more comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing violence against women and children in the Philippines.