FOLLOWING a viral social media post about the harassment of a female commuter, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) warned public utility vehicle drivers against violating Republic Act No. 11313, commonly known as the Safe Spaces Act or the “Bawal Bastos Law.”
DCPO chief PCOL Peter Bauzon Madria issued the warning following an incident on June 13, 2026, where a passenger reported being harassed while riding a jeepney on Roxas Street.
According to police reports, the driver asked the complainant intrusive personal questions before pointing at and touching a tattoo on her left thigh, causing her severe discomfort and distress.
The victim’s account of the encounter later went viral on social media, prompting an immediate investigation by local authorities.
Amid the mounting online attention, the driver of the vehicle (bearing plate number ABV 3962) surrendered to the Buhangin Police Station at around 7 p.m. on Friday, June 19, where he admitted to the wrongful behavior and issued a personal apology to the commuter.
The complainant accepted the apology and formally manifested that she would no longer pursue criminal charges against the driver.
Police referred the victim to the Women and Child Protection Unit of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC-WCPU) to receive psychological assessment and appropriate support services.
The DCPO emphasized that even when cases are settled privately between involved parties, gender-based sexual harassment remains a punishable offense that will not be normalized or tolerated by law enforcement.
“The public is reminded that seemingly casual acts, inappropriate remarks, unwelcome advances, intrusive personal questions, catcalling, lewd gestures, unwanted physical contact, and other forms of gender-based sexual harassment constitute violations of the law and carry corresponding penalties,” the DCPO statement read.
Local law enforcement officials reiterated that the Safe Spaces Act covers offenses committed in all public areas, public utility vehicles, workplaces, schools, and online platforms.
Moving forward, the DCPO plans to intensify public education campaigns and increase coordination with its Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) to ensure all commuter spaces remain secure.
