Cop refutes reports on 'meddling' in Carcar rape case

CEBU, Philippines - The controversial policewoman who allegedly discouraged a rape victim from pursuing her filing of a complaint against two Pakistani nationals last week showed up at the office of the Cebu Provincial Police Office director yesterday morning to explain her side.

Senior Supt. Erson Digal, chief of the CPPO, said that PO2 Vilma Degamo showed up at his office to clarify on her reported presence in the house of the victim in Carcar town when elements of the Carcar Police Station arrived there.

Digal said that Degamo, in tears, said she never intervened in the rape case. She pointed out she was there because of another case.

But Digal reiterated that in the conduct of a surveillance or follow-up operation, police are supposed to be with their colleagues, or perhaps ask permission from their chief of police.

Digal added that if proven guilty, Degamo will be facing an administrative case depending on the result of the preliminary investigation.  

Earlier, Digal tasked the Provincial Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force and the Provincial Intelligence Division and Management Branch headed by Senior Insp. Ruben Cuizon to investigate Degamo for allegedly intervening in the case of Ahmael Ullah, 19 years old, and his cousin Muhammad Gul Nabi, 31.

The two Pakistanis were accused of raping their 16-year-old house helper and were afterwards arrested by the Carcar City Police inside a rented apartment in Barangay Liburon, Carcar City.

Ullah and Nabi were charged before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutors Office for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Act. —Gabriel C. Bonjoc/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)