Sanya Lopez, Coleen Garcia give tips about protecting oneself vs predators

(left) Coleen Garcia and Sanya Lopez | Image: Contributed photo

Trigger warning: This article deals with mentions of sexual predators.

Given the rampancy of sexual offenders in both the online and real worlds, Filipina actresses Coleen Garcia and Sanya Lopez have a few tips to share against all kinds of predators.

In an interview with reporters, Garcia and Lopez offered advice to women to protect themselves from the danger of predators, which happens to be the theme of their new movie called “Playtime,” with co-star Xian Lim as a predator who lures women into trusting him.

Garcia asserted that it’s important that people acknowledge that predators are real and that they can happen to anyone and anywhere, especially in the era of dating apps.

“Hindi ko kasi naabutan ‘yung single ako, and there’s Tinder. But I guess it’s a case-to-case basis. It’s different for everybody what you can do to protect yourself. But it’s important especially that we’re all aware that it does happen,” she said during the media conference of “Playtime.”

“And most of the time, it happens sa hindi strangers. ‘Di ba sometimes, it happens in your workplace, sometimes it happens in the family, so it’s important to get help, if you feel you’re in danger, if you feel like somebody has crossed those boundaries. You really need to tell people who can help you,” Garcia added.

The former “It’s Showtime” host further shared that she hasn’t experienced any close encounters with a predator, but she knew some people who did suffer from such, so it’s important that people take measures to protect themselves.

“For example, if you go out, make sure you’re with people whom you feel safe with. Kasi yung gawain ko before, when I was still dating, hindi ako nakikipag-date agad with one person, ‘yung kaming dalawa lang,” she said, adding that building trust is a process.

Garcia said it’s best for people, especially women, to not put themselves in a compromising situation by distancing themselves from someone they cannot fully trust, specifically strangers.

“It’s hard to be alone with somebody na wala kang tiwala. You don’t put yourself in a compromising situation, whether that’s drinking or even riding in a car alone with somebody. Try your best not to put yourself in a compromising situation,” the 31-year-old actress further said.

Meanwhile, Lopez admitted that there were times that she felt she was in danger, especially when she was young, when people are mostly reluctant to believe a child when certain things happen.

“Parang ‘di ka paniniwalaan agad kasi bata ka, kumbaga wala ka pang boses,” Lopez said. “May kapitbahay lang na lasing na lumapit sa akin, ‘yung parang feeling mo may gagawin silang masama. May mga ganun akong takot.”

Growing up without a father figure, the Kapuso actress underscored that she runs to her brother, actor Jak Roberto, and her mom whenever she feels uncomfortable, saying that she learned that it’s important for women, especially the younger ones, to not be left alone.

“Bilang wala akong Daddy, wala talagang taga-protect sa akin. Nag-iingat ako until now. ‘Yun ang tumatak sa akin nung bata ako na importante ‘di ako mag-isa. Dapat meron akong kasama na mas matanda talaga sa akin,” she said, adding that she’s always vigilant whenever she goes out.

Lopez then extended the advice that women should always tell someone they trust about their whereabouts as part of safety measures.

“There has to be one person that you can tell, ‘I’m here.’ In case of emergency, ito yung tao malalapitan mo at alam niya kung nasaan ka. There are things that we want to do on our own, but we have to prioritize our safety,” she said.

Directed by Mark A. Reyes V, “Playtime” will hit local cinemas on June 12.

If you are or know someone who’s a victim of sexual predators, seek help via these help lines.

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE WOMEN AND CHILDREN PROTECTION CENTER

0919-777-7377 (Call via Smart) 0966-725-5961 (Call via Globe)

[email protected] (Email)

1343 ACTION LINE

Dial 1343 or go to www.1343actionline.ph.

NATIONAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING DIVISION

(02) 8521 9208 (call via landline) or [email protected] (email)

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