Procedure in Investigating Complaints 27 CHAPTER VI: Procedure in Investigating Complaints A s a rule, the regular investigation process involving human rights violations shall also apply to the investigation and monitoring of women and SOGIE cases. The Protocols, as provided in Chapter VI shall, however be ensured and followed. When circumstances warrant, CHR may choose to render immediate legal assistance and/or refer cases to Courts and appropriate agencies as provided in Chapter 9, without prejudice to its own investigation. I. Filing of Complaints Under the Guidelines and Procedures of CHR, any concerned individual or group may file a complaint for human rights violations, particularly the victim, relatives, non-government organization, or any government or private entity. Anonymous complaints or reports received from other sources shall be subject to initial evaluation and verification. If upon initial verification or on the basis of the information or details provided, the complaint appears to be meritorious or has some factual basis, the CHR shall proceed to investigate the matter. With respect to complaints filed by women, as much as possible, the informed consent of the woman concerned shall be obtained and confidentiality, where appropriate and requested, shall be respected. In accordance with the Protocols, sensitive handling of women and complainants from persons with diverse SOGIE shall be observed. Accessibility and reasonable accommodation shall be ensured all throughout the process. The Complainant, with the assistance of the CHR Gender Focal Persons (GFP) in the region, shall fill out CHR Form 9 (Complaint sheet) in accordance with Rule 4, Section 3. The GFP shall additionally provide assistance to women from marginalized sectors. In addition to the necessary/mandatory information required under Form 9, the Complaint, depending on its nature, shall also set out the following: a) The acts which constitute the violation of laws on women and/or the acts of discrimination or discriminatory practices under the MCW; b) The actions undertaken by the Complainant and or her representatives with to respect the violation/acts of discrimination before the agency/private institution concerned, the Quasi-Judicial Body or the Courts; c) The status of/ results of actions undertaken, if any; In accordance with Section 5 of the GAP, complaints may be filed directly with the Commission En Banc or filed with its Regional Offices responsible for the area where the violation occurred or continue to occur. Complaints Pertaining to Institutional Mechanisms: In complaints pertaining to non-compliance of agencies or local government units with the Institutional Mechanisms provided under Chapter VI of the MCW, the investigation may be undertaken by the Commission (a) motu propio; (b) upon referral/ endorsement from the PCW, the Commission on Audit (COA), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and other National Government Agencies, or (c) upon the complaint of concerned citizens and or organization/agencies. The complaint shall be supported by the following documents as may be available: CHR Gender Ombud Guidelines