On International Women’s Day, Vice President Sara Duterte turned her attention to the women who suffered violence at the hands of communist rebels, whom she blamed for the ongoing struggles and frustrations of women in marginalized communities.
In a message posted on her social media accounts, Duterte mentioned the story of Dr. Sharmaine Baroquillo, a physician working at the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital, who was killed by motorcycle-riding gunmen last Feb. 3.
The Vice President also mentioned a lawyer working for the New People’s Army (NPA) who died in Bohol while fighting for “rotten ideologies.”
Duterte said this woman is among the many mothers and children who were fooled by the NPA to join an armed struggle that are now either dead or missing.
“Let us also not forget the mothers, wives, or sisters of policemen and soldiers, who risked their lives to ensure our safety,” Duterte said in Filipino.
The Vice President appealed for empathy for the victims and encouraged the public to support the groups who are truly defending the rights and welfare of women in our society, on top of promoting her MATATAG education agenda.
“Let us be one with the victims. Let us push for adequate and appropriate education for the public… Let us support the laws for women,” she said.
“And as families, let us remember that the foundation of a safe, fair, and progressive society is our homes,” Duterte added.
She underscored that women must always be given the space, opportunity, and freedom to make decisions on their own, as well as demonstrate their abilities, knowledge, strengths, and valuable personality traits. With Manolo Del Rio
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Sara pays tribute to women killed by NPA on International Women’s Day.”