The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) has reminded the public to respect personal boundaries and refrain from unwanted advances, intrusive behavior and unwelcome physical contact in public spaces.
The reminder came after a reported incident involving a 21-year-old woman who allegedly experienced unwanted behavior while riding a “bao-bao” public utility vehicle in Davao City on September 23, 2026.
Based on the complaint, the respondent allegedly asked the woman intrusive personal questions, introduced himself and proposed himself as her boyfriend, and repeatedly asked for her contact number.
He also allegedly touched her arm, prompting the woman to push his hand away.
When she reached her destination, the woman reportedly hurriedly got off the vehicle and ran inside her residence. She later reported the incident to police, saying she felt scared, uncomfortable and distressed.
Police personnel who received the complaint immediately provided assistance and took appropriate action.
The DCPO said the incident underscores the need to keep public spaces, including public transportation, safe and respectful for everyone.
“A person’s silence is not consent, and being in a public place does not give anyone the right to invade another person’s personal space,” said DCPO acting Director Col. Peter Bauzon Madria.
The police office said such acts may fall under Republic Act No. 11313, or the Safe Spaces Act, also known as the “Bawal Bastos Law.”
Enacted in 2019, the law provides protection against gender-based sexual harassment in streets, public spaces, public transportation, workplaces and educational institutions. It covers various forms of harassment, including unwanted remarks, persistent advances and other acts that make a person feel threatened, unsafe or uncomfortable.
The DCPO stressed that unwanted remarks, persistent advances, intrusive questions and physical contact should not be dismissed as jokes or attempts to make friends when they are unwelcome and cause distress.
“When someone says no, moves away, refuses an advance, or shows discomfort—stop,” the police office said.
It urged victims and witnesses of gender-based sexual harassment to report incidents to the nearest police station, Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD), barangay authorities or other appropriate government agencies.
The DCPO assured the public that complaints will be handled with sensitivity, professionalism and confidentiality, in accordance with existing laws and procedures.
Madria also reiterated the DCPO’s commitment to responding to harassment complaints and ensuring that victims receive appropriate assistance and protection.
The police office reminded the public that preventing harassment is a shared responsibility and that everyone has the right to feel safe and respected in public spaces.
