Rape, child abuse charges vs ex-crime crusader dismissed

Former Bantay Bayan executive director Carlos Reyes was acquitted from two counts of child abuse and a rape case he allegedly committed in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, in February 28, 2002.

Elements of the City's Security and Service Group arrested him in barangay Buhisan last January 26 by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Bohol Judge Teofilo Baluma last June and July last year.

From Cebu, he was presented before the sala of Baluma on January 27 and was later committed to the Cabawan District Rehabilitation Center in Tagbilaran City and was jailed there for six months.

But last July 26, Baluma ordered the release of the subject and acquitted the latter from all the cases he was facing "for insufficiency of evidence proffered by the prosecution to establish the guilt of Carlos Reyes beyond reasonable doubt."

Two girls had reportedly filed the case against Reyes. They alleged that Reyes abused them in a hotel in Tagbilaran City.

But Reyes who was presented to the media a day after he was arrested shortly before he was brought to Bohol, denied having anything to do with the allegations saying somebody who is also an anti-crime crusader got jealous of him and is behind the scheme to destroy him.

"I have never seen those girls. I have not met them," Reyes said while explaining that it was impossible for him to be involved because he was in Cebu at the time of the alleged rape.

He said he arrived in Bohol only at past 7 pm the same day and said that Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado could even attest to such because they were seatmates at the fast craft on their way there.

Reyes also said that it was also impossible for him to have raped the girl because it has been three years since he had an erection.

Fifty-eight years old, married and with three children, he gave up his position in the anti-crime group Bantay Bayan last year "out of delicadeza."

Reyes who went to the office of acting city police director Melvin Gayotin to clear his name said his lawyer is now contemplating filing a case against those behind his detention.

He said Baluma called eight hearings in all but the complainants or the lawyer never showed up in court ever since.

Reyes said he would be demanding damages because he wants his accusers to experience how it is to be in jail. " Nasud ko didto nga wala koy sala. When you are in jail murag wala nakay hope. Only the high walls and heaven ray imong makita. What kept me there were my prayers," Reyes told reporters yesterday.