With recent data showing there were 35 rapes reported in Negros Occidental in the first quarter of 2018, the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) recently offered tips on how to avoid being raped.

They suggested, when under assault, not to panic and shout for help in order to attract attention. Police also said one should carry pepper spray as a means of defending themselves from a rapist.

NOPPO also suggested taking up self-defense as a precaution.

Police advised to use caution when meeting a ‘textmate’ or somebody they became acquainted with online.

In terms of potential date rape, law enforcement recommended refraining from consuming alcoholic beverages and to not leave a glass unattended as one could spike the drink with drugs that may cause impairment.

Last Wednesday, two female minors were allegedly raped by six teenage males in Murcia. Based on investigations, police believe the two suspects encouraged both females to drink heavily during a barangay fiesta.

The following morning, as the victims were waiting for a jeepney, four other male suspects, whom they earlier met during the said fiesta, took them to a riverbank where they were again sexually assaulted./WDJ