MANILA, Philippines — A total of 11,636 cases of violence against women have been recorded in the country so far from January 1 to November 30, the Philippine National Police reported Wednesday. 

In a Malacanang press briefing, Plt. Col Andree Abella said that violence against women “remains to be a challenge” for law enforcement, as reflected in the report.

Abella said that out of the 11,636 cases, 11,522 have been cleared, with 7,025 of them solved, leaving only 114 cases still under investigation.

Currently, 5,310 women police officers trained to handle sensitive cases involving women and children are stationed at 1,881 Women and Children Protection Desks across the country, according to Abella. 

The Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC utilizes the PNP Crime Incident Reporting and Analysis System (CIRAS) to systematically document cases of violence against women, the official said.

The WCPC also operates the “Aling Pulis Helpline,” a 24/7 hotline for calls or messages seeking assistance.

According to Abella, the center also conducts information campaigns in schools, local communities, government offices, and the private sector as part of its efforts to raise awareness and advocate for the end of violence against women.

Regular infomercials are posted on the PNP Women and Children Protection Center’s Facebook page to further educate the public on the severity of VAW and encourage victims to speak out, he said.

The PNP likewise called for a “whole of nation” approach to address these crimes.

“Through a whole-of-society approach, by working together to address these horrendous crimes, we can create a safer community or a safer society where everybody regardless of gender (is)  able to thrive and achieve their fullest potential,” said Abella.