The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) warned the public on Thursday against unwanted advances, intrusive behavior and unwelcome physical contact in public spaces, stressing that such acts may constitute gender-based sexual harassment under Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law.”
The reminder followed a reported incident involving a 21-year-old woman who allegedly experienced unwanted and intrusive behavior while riding a “bao-bao” public utility vehicle in Davao City on September 23, 2026.
According to the complaint, the respondent allegedly asked her intrusive personal questions, introduced himself and proposed himself as her boyfriend, and repeatedly asked for her contact number.
The respondent also allegedly touched her arm, prompting the woman to push his hand away.
Upon reaching her destination, the complainant reportedly hurriedly alighted from the vehicle and ran inside her residence.
She later reported the incident to the police and said she felt extremely scared, uncomfortable and distressed.
Police station personnel who received the report immediately acted on the complaint and provided the necessary assistance to the complainant.
The incident prompted the DCPO to reiterate that public spaces, including public transportation, must remain safe for everyone and that personal boundaries must be respected.
“A person’s silence is not consent, and being in a public place does not give anyone the right to invade another person’s personal space,” said DCPO acting Director Col. Peter Bauzon Madria.
Republic Act No. 11313, signed into law in 2019, expanded legal protection against gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, public transportation, workplaces and educational institutions. It recognizes that harassment may take different forms, including unwanted sexual or gender-based remarks, persistent unwanted advances and other acts that cause a person to feel threatened, unsafe or uncomfortable.
The law specifically covers gender-based sexual harassment in public spaces and provides penalties for acts prohibited under its provisions.
It also requires government agencies and local government units to take measures to prevent and address such incidents.
The DCPO stressed that unwanted remarks, persistent advances, intrusive questions and unwanted physical contact should not be dismissed as jokes, compliments or attempts to make friends when these are unwelcome and cause distress.
“When someone says no, moves away, refuses an advance, or shows discomfort—stop,” the police office said.
The DCPO urged the public to remember three basic principles: respect personal boundaries, respect personal space, and respect every person’s right to feel safe.
It also encouraged victims and witnesses of gender-based sexual harassment to promptly report incidents to the nearest police station, Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), barangay authorities or other appropriate government agencies.
The police office assured the public that reports will be handled with sensitivity, professionalism and confidentiality, consistent with existing laws and procedures.
Madria reiterated the DCPO’s commitment to responding to complaints of harassment and ensuring that victims receive appropriate assistance and protection.
The DCPO reminded the public that preventing harassment is a shared responsibility and that respectful behavior must be observed in all public spaces, regardless of the circumstances.
