The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has issued a warning against gender-based sexual harassment and reminded the public that violations of Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, carry legal consequences, following a viral incident involving a public utility jeepney driver.
The advisory came after a woman alleged that while riding a jeepney along Roxas Street in Davao City on June 13, the driver asked her personal questions before pointing at and touching a tattoo on her left thigh, causing her discomfort and distress.
The incident was later shared on social media, drawing widespread attention and prompting a police investigation.
According to the DCPO, the driver of the jeepney voluntarily appeared before the Buhangin Police Station on June 19 to explain his side regarding the allegations circulating online.
During the investigation, the driver admitted his wrongful act and personally apologized to the complainant. The woman accepted the apology and later expressed that she was no longer interested in pursuing a formal complaint.
Despite the settlement between the parties, DCPO City Director Police Colonel Peter Bauzon Madria stressed that such behavior should never be tolerated.
“The DCPO strongly reminds the public that gender-based sexual harassment, in any form, is a punishable offense under the Safe Spaces Act. Respect for the dignity, safety, and personal boundaries of every individual must always be upheld,” said Madria.
The complainant was referred to the Southern Philippines Medical Center–Women and Child Protection Unit for psychological assessment and support services.
Madria emphasized that acts that demean, objectify, intimidate, ridicule, or violate another person’s dignity have no place in society.
“Every individual has the right to move freely and safely without fear of harassment, regardless of gender, age, appearance, or social status,” he said.
The city police director further warned that inappropriate remarks, intrusive personal questions, unwelcome advances, catcalling, lewd gestures, and unwanted physical contact may constitute violations of the Safe Spaces Act and may result in corresponding penalties.
“While this particular incident may have been settled between the parties, such conduct should never be normalized, tolerated, or repeated. Anyone found committing acts prohibited under the law will be held accountable and subjected to the full force of the law,” Madria added.
The DCPO encouraged victims and witnesses of harassment to immediately report incidents to the nearest police station or through the Women and Children Protection Desk, assuring the public that complaints will be handled with professionalism, confidentiality, and sensitivity.
As part of its continuing efforts to maintain public safety, the DCPO said it will intensify awareness campaigns, strengthen law enforcement operations, and enhance coordination with partner agencies to prevent gender-based sexual harassment and related offenses across the city.
Madria reiterated the police office’s commitment to fostering a culture of respect and accountability, ensuring that Davao City remains a place where people can live, work, study, and travel free from fear, intimidation, and abuse.
