Reese Barcelon
Incidents of harassment are getting rampant recently. It seems like offenders are being braver and noticeable instead of trying to be discreet or being ashamed of what they are doing.
There are a few instances wherein they were lucky enough to get away with it, but most of the time, women just cannot let sexual offenders get away easily.
One of the brave women who fought for themselves is Cristine Valera. She shared the story of how she was harassed while riding a public vehicle in the broad daylight to her netizens, and most importantly to her fellow women.
Read her story below:
“I took a bus home from Zambales (We had a family outing yesterday but since I didn’t want to miss my class, I decided to go home.) The bus took a stop in Olongapo where a lot of people departed. I was sitting alone when this guy sat beside me. I knew something was off because he immediately talked to me and asked me where my destination was (I didn’t answer). During the ride I felt him move closer even though I have been avoiding touching him to the extent of being pressed against the window. When we got to Pampanga that is when he harassed me. I was on my phone and he went closer and asked, “Asan na tayo?” and I answered “Pampanga po,” in a very disinterested and cautious voice because I felt something was wrong. He persistently kept asking more personal questions which is none of his business. After that, he put his arms over my shoulders. THAT WAS WHEN I WAS SHOCKED. EVEN THOUGH INALIS KO YUNG ARM NIYA BINALIK NIYA ULIT. LAKAS NG LOOB PARA MANG AKBAY ULIT. Some of the passengers saw what happened but they didn’t help me. After 5 minutes, when I thought he wouldn’t bother me anymore, that was when he asked again “Saan ka bababa” and I replied with “’Wag mo ko kakausapin”. I thought that he’d stop after that but after a while naramdaman ko na parang hihipuan niya na ako. I caught him and he removed his hand immediately. That was when I got mad and I stood up and took action. I brought my phone out and took a photo of him.”
Valera thought at first that the man might not really mean to make physical contact with her, but later on confirmed after the man attempted to get her attention by trying to make small talks – of which consists of questions that are too personal.
“He was sitting like that when I took a photo him (in case you’d misinterpret the photo) the second photo was the part I shouted at him, “HUMARAP KA DITO AT IPAKITA MO MUKHA MO” and said “Itong lalaking to kanina pa ako binabastos” then all the passengers looked and this guy stood up and said “Wala akong ginagawa sayo”. I did the confrontation and this guy asked the driver to stop because he wants to go down. Before he left, he shouted “p******** i** m* mag isa diyan”.
I am sharing this to expose this man. To all the girls out there: It is not your fault. I know it’s hard but I hope that one day you can gather up the courage to defend yourself especially when you have been violated.”
It’s infuriating how the man had the gut to curse her despite of what he had done to her, when in fact; it should be Valera who is supposed to go all out on the perverted man.
Valera’s Facebook friends admired her bravery for being able to take pictures of the man and for standing up for herself when the other passengers didn’t.
To sum it up, it only goes to show that perverted violators don’t have any fear left anymore—so it is advised to be wary of the surroundings and try to acquire things or a bit of knowledge which can help a woman protect herself in incidents like this.
