The City Government of Dagupan, Department of Justice (DOJ), Dagupan Prosecutor’s Office, Philippine National Police (PNP) Dagupan, and the Region 1 Medical Center (R1MC) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) today, August 6, at the Francisco Q. Duque Hall, R1MC, to help stop domestic and family violence in the city.
Mayor Belen T. Fernandez said that the partnership creates a stronger system because it enhances the partner agencies’ ability to provide critical assistance, effective intervention, and compassionate care to victims such as sexual abuse, violence against minors, violence against women, psychological abuse and emotional stress.
“We have come together to form a vital partnership aimed at addressing and supporting victims such as sexual abuse, violence against minors, violence against women, psychological abuse and emotional stress,” she said adding that the city is home to a dedicated Women’s Center, which addresses and supports victims of various crimes and offenses.
R1MC Medical Center Chief Dr. Joseph Roland O. Mejia underscored the importance of the work of the prosecutors and the police to immediately resolve cases of abuse by creating a fast lane with a “seamless process” to immediately secure medico legal certificate.
Dagupan City Prosecutor Ma. Victoria D. Cabrera stressed that the MOA, which she called “covenant”, must be responsive and directly beneficial to the victims, especially those who come from the underprivileged sector.
PLTCOL Brendon Palisoc, for his part, noted that one of the most pressing issues being faced by the arresting officers in filing cases against the suspects is “securing documents needed by courts, which includes the medico legal certificate”.
Palisoc assured that with the MOA already being signed by the partner agencies, the delay in these processes will already be a thing of the past.
Other partners present during the MOA signing are DOJ Regional Prosecutor Christian Paul L. Ulpindo, Dr. Ashok Vasandani, Dr. Arnel Gerard R. Gazmen, Chief Medical Professional Staff II and Supervising Administrative Officer Mr. Ramon T. Bautista.
