REVIEW: Kara David's 'Kapalit ng Katahimikan' breaks the silence of abuse victims
Trigger warning: This review contains mentions of rape and child abuse.
Kara David's documentary Kapalit ng Katahimikan (In Exchange for Silence) for I-Witness quickly became a trending topic on social media after it aired.
The documentary tells the harrowing stories of three young women who suffered sexual abuse in Maguindanao. One story recounts a mentally disabled girl who was raped by her uncle. The tribal council recommended that the victim’s family be compensated. The uncle gave them a horse and P6,000. The girl was raped again, this time by a neighbor. After she became pregnant, the tribal council suggested she marry her rapist to "save face" for the family.
In another case, the situation was equally tragic: Two young girls, aged 5 and 10, were abused by their uncle. While the tribal council also recommended a settlement, the family chose to take the case to mainstream courts, leading to the perpetrator’s imprisonment.
David is visibly dismayed by the way the tribal council handles such situations. While there is a need to respect cultural traditions, it is undeniable that a violation of someone’s dignity and rights remains a crime, regardless of cultural context. The tribal council acknowledges that they are merely mediators, and that the victim may still turn to mainstream courts in pursuit of justice.
"This is perhaps one of the most difficult documentaries I have ever written. I remember having to stop at some points because I just needed to cry and get angry," David said, expressing the emotional toll of producing the documentary.
The great cinematography and excellent editing serve to deliver the narrative sharply. David was careful not to force excessive drama into the documentary, as is often seen in these types of features. Instead, she let the story unfold and allowed them to speak for themselves.
In the scenes where David read aloud written testimonies by the victims, one could see her stop mid-sentence, seemingly shocked at the details of the abuse—ones that she painstakingly spared viewers, which, in effect, felt even more devastating.
As a man, it is unfathomable what women endure when they are sexually abused. But as a parent, I can definitely feel a burning rage within me whenever I hear such stories. It also confounds me how many men in the country can casually quip misogynistic remarks and, worse, expect everyone else to laugh with them.
The stories presented in Kapalit ng Katahimikan highlight the unfortunate reality many women in the Philippines face, where justice remains elusive. According to the documentary, a 2023 report by the Philippine National Police showed that a woman is raped every hour in the country. The World Health Organization, in 2024, stated that one in three women worldwide "have been subjected to either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime." Many victims remain silent due to fear, shame, or pressure from their families. Others are simply deterred by the overwhelming cost of litigation.
Despite laws against rape and abuse, women in the Philippines continue to face barriers to justice. Deeply ingrained patriarchal norms persist, leading to the objectification of women and rampant victim-shaming.
The documentary ends on a hopeful note by highlighting social workers in Maguindanao who are actively pursuing cases of abuse and providing legal assistance to victims. These social workers offer not only emotional support but also access to lawyers, empowering the victims to fight for justice.
Kapalit ng Katahimikan resonates because it amplifies the voices of many abuse survivors. The tribal council could be an analog to our deeply ingrained patriarchal society, while the social workers in Maguindanao, who are committed to helping victims reclaim their rights and dignity, could symbolize the small but dedicated groups tirelessly working to provide victims with a place of refuge. These efforts may seem like small consolation—but in our complicit society, small victories matter.
Kapalit ng Katahimikan aired on GMA on Oct. 5. The full episode is now available on YouTube. You can watch it here.
If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, call these hotlines:
Philippine National Police (PNP)
Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC)
Tel. No.: 410-3213 / 532-6690
Aleng Pulis Text Hotline: 0919-777-7377
Women and Children Protection Desk of nearest Police Precinct
Emergency Hotline: 911
National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)
Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children Desk (VAWCD)
Tel. Nos.: 523-8231 to 38 / 525-6028
DOJ - Public Attorney's Office (DOJ-PAO)
Tel. Nos.: 929-9010 / 526-2747 / 929-9436 to 37 loc. 106 / 107
