Rape raps filed vs. suspect at large

CEBU, Philippines — A rape complaint has been formally filed against a man accused of sexually assaulting a 26-year-old store attendant inside a liquor store in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City, while police continue their hot pursuit operation to locate and arrest the suspect.

The victim said the complaint was filed on Thursday with the assistance of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), days after the alleged assault that occurred in the early morning of July 10.

CCPO Deputy City Director for Administration Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rudolf Oriol earlier said the victim had already executed her sworn affidavit, while investigators completed the affidavits of witnesses and other documentary requirements needed for the filing of the complaint.

Police said the victim was tending to the establishment, which operates as a water refilling station by day and serves as a liquor store by night, when the suspect, reportedly the last remaining customer, stayed behind after the other customers had left.

As seen in closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, the suspect allegedly drew a knife, threatened the victim, and forced her into a secluded portion of the establishment where the alleged rape took place.

The suspect fled after the incident and remains at large.

Aside from the footage now admitted as evidence, police also said the victim showed them private Facebook message allegedly sent by the suspect after the incident, in which he apologized and allegedly attempted to negotiate a settlement in exchange for not pursuing the case. Despite this, the victim decided to proceed with filing the complaint.

Oriol earlier said police have already established the suspect’s identity but withheld it to avoid affecting the ongoing follow-up operation.

Police are also verifying whether the suspect has other pending cases or warrants of arrest. Authorities have coordinated with the suspect’s family who, according to Oriol, have been cooperative and are willing to help locate him.

Earlier, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival directed the CCPO to immediately arrest the suspect.

As of this writing, police said the suspect has yet to be arrested. Once a warrant is issued in connection with the rape complaint, authorities said they will immediately serve it. — (FREEMAN)