MALASIQUI, Dec. 2 -- The Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Ilocos Police Regional Office (PRO-1) has recorded 868 cases of abuses against women and children from Jan. 1 to Nov. 30 this year, 29 percent lower than the 1,227 cases in the same period last year.

PRO-1 WCPD chief Maj. Monette Balderas, in an online forum hosted by the Philippine Information Agency Ilocos Region on Tuesday, said rape topped the cases, followed by violence against women and children, acts of lasciviousness, and violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

She said the decrease in the number of cases can be attributed to the campaigns, initiatives, plans, and programs of various agencies.

"The victims now have the courage to report abuses," she said....