A viral video showing a police officer brutally abusing his live-in partner has sparked outrage in the Philippines, shining a light on the ongoing issue of violence against women.

The Philippine Commission on Women (PCW) has expressed deep concern over the incident in Kidapawan City, emphasizing that violence against women should never be tolerated.

In the video, Cpl. Louie Jay Lumancas of Magpet police station in North Cotabato can be seen pointing a gun at his partner, physically assaulting her, and using vulgar language. The photo of the woman’s battered face after the abuse highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence.

Lumancas was later arrested and relieved from his post.

According to the Philippine National Police, 7,424 cases of violations of the Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Act were reported in 2022, while 8,430 cases were reported in 2021.

The PCW has stressed that these numbers represent real women with rights, dreams, families, and lives that matter. The commission has urged women and girls who have experienced violence in intimate relationships to speak up and seek assistance, while also calling for police officers to act as protectors of women against violence, rather than perpetrators.

Recognizing that violence against women cannot be eliminated overnight, the PCW has called for a focus on addressing the root cause of the issue, which is gender inequality. The commission has called for a collective effort from the community to eradicate domestic violence.

The PCW hopes that the video of the police officer mistreating his partner will serve as a warning and a call to action to address the issue of gender-based violence.