The number of incest rape in Benguet province in the Cordillera region has increased in seven months.
According to the latest report from the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office, there have been 44 cases of rape or sexual abuse of minors from January to July this year.
Of the said number, 21 are cases of incest rape in which the abuse suspect is the actual member of the victim's family.
This is far higher compared to the six cases recorded by the province in the same period last year.
It was also found out that the perpetrators were the victims' own father, uncle, brother, grandfather, or cousin.
According to the PSWD, the cases are usually recorded during community quarantine but the study shows that it is still affected by various factors.
As a result, relevant government offices and agencies are now intervening to conduct a series of counseling, psychological evaluations and other processes to help victims of rape or sexual abuse, especially among young people.
Authorities are urging parents to be diligent about protecting their children to prevent such incidents.
