The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered its units to make anti-rape advisories more gender-sensitive after Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Elago criticized a police post that she said placed the burden of preventing sexual assault on potential victims.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said Friday that crime-prevention reminders, particularly those involving minors and sexual assault, should be reviewed by Women and Children Protection Desk personnel and, when necessary, experts from the academe and nongovernment organizations.

The directive followed Elago’s criticism during the House Committee on Appropriations’ briefing on the proposed 2027 budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and its attached agencies. She cited reports of “insensitive” rape-prevention advisories posted by police units.

Nartatez defended the intent behind the advisories but acknowledged the need for greater care in their wording.

“The police only wanted to help raise awareness about rape and prevent such crimes,” Nartatez said. “The PNP’s public information efforts should support these objectives without creating further misinterpretations or appearing to place responsibility on victims.”

“The mass communication landscape has significantly changed compared to before and we in the PNP should be mindful of these changes through training and consultations with as many stakeholders to keep up, to be relevant and come up with the best and effective messaging,” he added.

“We must be mindful of the concepts and words to make sure that our social media posts help raise awareness, protect the public and prevent further harm.”