Cop accused of rape relieved from his post

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Director Joel Doria said the active police officer, who was accused by a 20-year-old niece of his wife for rape, was relieved from his post.

Jane (real name withheld), together with her relative, went to the Fuente Police Station last Thursday to report the alleged rape incident last May 14.

The incident reportedly happened when the suspect's wife was not home.

The suspect allegedly arrived drunk on the night of May 14 and abused the victim.

The victim was employed by the suspect's wife to attend to their two kids, aged three and four.

"Immediately dinirect ko na i-relieved ang police at ilagay sa Police Holding and Accounting Unit (PHAU). Pina-recall na din natin ang issued firearms sa kanya," said Doria.

He added that the investigation is ongoing against the policeman and, if proven guilty, he will be dismissed from the service.

"So kung totoo ang insidente, dapat panagutan niya.  Kailangan natin i-file ang case.  Definitely, administrative at criminal.  Ipa-dismiss natin kung totoo ang allegation para hindi siya pamaresan. Sa atin naman ay kapag talagang nagkasala ka ay panagutan mo.  Kung inosente ka at di mo kasalanan, then prove it in court," Doria added.

Meanwhile, Police Chief Inspector Maria Theresa Macatangay, Fuente Police chief, said that they are only waiting for the result of the test of the victim to file the case against the suspect.

Macatangay added that there will be three cases - rape, acts of lasciviousness and physical injuries - are expected to be filed against the suspect.

The alleged rape which happened last May 14 was also followed by another abuse last Sunday, where the suspect allegedly harassed the victim by cupping her breast forcefully.

"Determined gyod nga mo-file og kaso ang victim and we are hopeful nga until the end," said Macatangay.

On the other hand, Doria reiterated that they will not tolerate any police officer involved in any misconduct.

"If found to be true, then kailangan kasuhan natin. Marami na tayong napatanggal dahil may report at pina-validate at turns positive, kasama iyan sa internal cleansing natin," said Doria.

 Another Rape Case

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man is facing charges before the court for allegedly raping a 16-year-old girl that he is courting.

Prosecutor I Russell Busico of the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office elevated the rape case against accused to the court.

The FREEMAN withheld the names of the involved parties to protect the identity of the complainant since they were living in the same barangay in Cebu City and both of them were members of an organization in their community.

In her sworn statement, the victim alleged the accused raped her on May 21, 2018, at about 6 p.m. inside the latter's house.

They were at accused's house while waiting for their dance coordinator for their rehearsal.

The incident happened at the bathroom.

Though she was told not to disclose to her parents what happened, she still divulged the same and went to a police station to report the matter.

Complainant's father corroborated the statement of her daughter.

He said it was her wife, who told him, that their daughter was allegedly raped by her suitor.

Accused was arrested during a dance rehearsal.

In an inquest proceeding, accused chose not to undergo preliminary investigation to answer the allegations filed against him. Instead, he manifested to face the charges in court.

Busico recommended no bail against the accused for his temporary liberty.

Accused is now detained at the Cebu City Jail. — GAN (FREEMAN)