The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has assailed the alleged rape by two policemen in Bacoor City in Cavite of an 18-year-old student as it launched its own investigation. "When alleged perpetrators are law enforcement officers, it consequently undermines the very institution sworn to protect and serve," the CHR said in a statement. It acknowledged the rape and administrative charges swiftly filed against the alleged perpetrators -- Master Sergeant Rey Pogoso and Corporal Bryan Balajay. "If the charges against the two suspected cops are proven to be true,” the CHR said that they must be held fully accountable for their actions in accordance with the rule of law. "CHR calls upon the government, as the primary duty bearer for the rights of all, to take appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again and hold firmly liable those who commit such atrocious crimes," it said. "While gender-related violence unfortunately remains a widespread issue in the country, victims still often suffer in silence. It is thus critical that we provide support and redress mechanisms to victims and survivors in that they feel empowered to pursue justice and speak out about their experiences," it added. It said it will do its part by educating the government on its domestic and international human rights obligations in addressing persisting issues on gender-related violence and violence against children. Among the state obligations are the United Nation (UN) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, it also said.