Christine Dacera deserves to be more than our cautionary tale

ICYMI, social media and PH have been abuzz with the news of 23-year old Christine Dacera’s brutal rape-slay during a New Year’s Eve party with her colleagues. Although the PNP has deemed the case as ‘solved‘, 9 of the suspects are still at large as of writing.

With such a controversial and downright inhumane case, there’s undoubtedly a lot of eyes on the suspects, with social media practically aflame with their names and faces calling for justice.

Though people are quick to call trial to the 9 missing men, it can be easy to link Christine as just another name, another statistic in the long line of abused women, just another cruel aftermath of so-called wrong decisions and skimpy outfits – but she was much more than that.

I intended to post this earlier before everything went crazy. Hope di pa too late para ma recognize si Ica as an artist. She’s more than just someone who was [redacted]. We want to remember and honor her for her craft and artistry. Labyu bhe. #JusticeForChristineDacera pic.twitter.com/waAnM1JuzM

— Roj (@jeremiahonor) January 4, 2021

Christine graduated from the University of the Philippines with flying colors, as she shared via her now-viral graduation post back in 2017.

‘But one thing is for sure, I will continue the university’s legacy to always, and always serve the people,’ she captioned.

Besides that, she also went on to achieve her own accolades, such as entering beauty pageants, performing as a dancer, and becoming a flight attendant for Philippine Airlines (PAL).

 

 

Though I never knew her personally, it’s unsettling to realize that every headline you’d see of Christine comes with the inhumane things done to her, and the god-awful comments section with its share of crazy conspiracy theories, unwarranted opinions, and downright victim-blaming. We don’t need to be the 20349th person saying that only rapists cause rape, it’s already 2021.

We also have to realize that women like Christine are more than statistics, more than vehicles to perpetuate their abusers. Until we see women as human beings deserving of respect, rather than relating them as our mothers, sisters, and relatives, we’ll never be able to remove the victim-blaming and rape culture instilled in our minds.

35% of women are abused around the world, but many refuse to come forward with their own stories because of the shame that comes with it. Once women have been tagged as ‘victims‘, a circle of stigma rears its head. What was she wearing? Who was she with? Was she lowkey asking for it? 

In truth, we’re still not sure what happened that night, how Christine’s lacerations and bruises came about, and how her friends played a part. Until the truth is told and justice is rightly served, it’s vital we remember her not just by what was done to her, but what she did with her life too.

we would prefer your respect over your protection. we’re not pretty things that need constant guarding. we’re human beings.

— kakie (@kakiep83) January 4, 2021

Banner and article photos taken from Christine’s Facebook and Instagram profiles

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Source: we the pvblic