MANILA - President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said in jest that Davao City has the highest number of rape cases in the country because it has many beautiful women.

“Ingon sila nga daghang rape ang Davao. Basta daghang gwapa, daghang rape gyud na,’” Duterte said in a speech in Davao City.

(They said there are many rape cases in Davao. As long as there are many beautiful women, there will be more rape cases.)

Records from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that Davao City had the highest number of rape cases in the 2nd quarter of 2018 with 42.

Duterte’s hometown is followed by Quezon City with 41, Manila with 32, Cagayan de Oro City with 24, and Zamboanga City with 21.

Davao Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales said policemen would coordinate with village officials to intensify information campaigns against rape.

"Pagdating sa rape cases, intensify po natin ang information drive sa mga kababaihan kung papaano makakaiwas na maging biktima ng rape at makipag coordinate din kami sa barangay," he said.

(When it comes to rape cases, we will intensify our information drive among women on how to avoid being a rape victim and we will also coordinate with the village officials.)