Gabriela scores San Pedro police for speedy release of American batterer- Davao Today
September 03, 2010

Gabriela scores San Pedro police for speedy release of American batterer

Published on October 21, 2009 | no comment

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DAVAO CITY –Gabriela Women’s Party is dismayed with the “speedy” release of an American national accused of battering his Davaoena commoin-law-wife, saying that it was “justice denied, justice not served.”

Nisa Opalla, Gabriela spokesperson in Southern Mindanao said arresting and investigating police officers in San Pedro Police Station wrongly released — in the legal and moral sense — American citizen and perpetrator John Sands, after his common-law wife did not file a complaint against him.

Opalla cited that under the Violence Against Women and their Children Act or RA 9262, the crime committed by John Sands is considered as a public crime. Thus, anyone or any organization who has a personal knowledge about the incident can file a case against him. This means that the the police officers shouldn’t have released the perpetrator even if the victim is no longer interested to file a complaint.

“This only show that law enforcers themselves are ignorant of the laws pertaining to protection of women and children. Unsa na lang kaha kung hisgutan pa nato ang mga basic human rights sa mga katawhan? (What more if it were a question of basic human rights of the people?)” Opalla said.

Opalla pointed out that it is common among victims of domestic violence to take time in pursuing cases against their partners because of the cycle of violence, consideration for their children, economic support and lack of support system.

Opalla said the state has the moral and grave responsibility to look into situation of victims of spousal abuse and other forms of violence against women. “In this case,” she added ”the state appears to reinforce, if not condone such acts because of a mere technicality of the law.”

Opalla stressed that John Sands was not the only violator in this particular case but also the police themselves.

Rep. Liza Maza of Gabriela Women’s Party co-authored the Violence Against Women and their Children Act or the RA 9262.

For reference:

Nisa Opalla
Gabriela Women’s Party Regional Spokesperson
Mobile number 0939-403-5519

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