AN ANALYSIS OF RAPE INCIDENTS FOR THE YEAR 2007 TO 2011 IN THE PROVINCE OF MARINDUQUE

This study analyzed the reported rape incidents for the year 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 in the province of Marinduque. The main purpose of the study was to determine the contributory factors in the existence of rape cases in the province of Marinduque and to find a way on how to be able to help the government in alleviating this problem. As the Research and Extension Coordinator of the School of Criminal Justice Education in Marinduque State College (MSC) and being a Criminologist, the researcher believes that he can be part in helping the government in solving this problem. The study was basically a documentary research to reveal the actual situation in Marinduque province relative to rape incidents recorded by the Marinduque Police Provincial Office within a five year period, January 2007 to December 2011. It covered the six municipalities in the province and focused only on the reported rape incidents. Documentary records of Boac, Sta. Cruz, Mogpog, Torrijos, Buenavista and Gasan, all in Marinduque Province were the main source of information used in this research study. The findings of the study revealed that rape incidents were second to physical injuries as the most reported crimes in the province. From 2007 to 2011, there were 99 reported rape incidents with 107 victims and 112 offenders in the records of the PNP Provincial Office. The contributory factors why rape incidents became the second highest crime incidents in the province of Marinduque was that victims were primarily teenagers who have given their trust to the offenders who happened to be their own father, brother, or relative. There were neighbors whom the parents entrusted their children while they were away from home. The offenders took advantage of the innocence, vulnerability, and accessibility of the victims. The findings could be useful in organizing an extension program for interested institutions. A partnership between the PNP and MSC will be worth realizing because its main objective is to minimize the future incidents of rape incidents in the province. Thus, this research aimed to have a more meaningful extension program in which the general public will be the beneficiary.