SENATOR Sherwin Gatchalian on Sunday warned against the possible rise of cases against children during imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila and other areas.

He called for vigilance as he cited data from the Philippine National Police and Save the Children that crimes committed against women and children increased during the lockdown last year.

On April 30, 2020, 1,284 cases were recorded by the PNP — 521 against children and 763 against women. These figures increased dramatically to 3,600 by June 4, 2020 – 1,745 against children and 1,945 against women.

Gatchalian said that economic hardships could again trigger a surge in domestic violence.

He added that because of stricter quarantine measures, victims could have a harder time seeking help.

“Noong ipatupad ang mga lockdown noong nakaraang taon, nakita natin ang paglobo ng mga kaso ng karahasan sa mga kababaihan at kabataan. Nanganganib na maulit ito kung hindi natin paiigtingin ang ating mga hakbang upang masugpo ang mga kaso ng karahasan,” the chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture said.

He stressed the need to maintain the helplines established by the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police. Village officials should also be watchful because of their proximity to victims, Gatchalian said.

Under the Protocol for Case Management of Child Victims of Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation by the Committee for the Special Protection of Children, barangays should put up help desks that monitor cases of child abuse and violence against women.