Rape suspect shot dead in pursuit operation

CEBU, Philippines — A 22-year-old ex-convict who allegedly raped a minor was killed during a hot pursuit operation in Malapascua Island, Daanbantayan yesterday morning.

The suspect was identified as Rodilito Orongan, a resident of Sitio Kalubihan, Barangay Logon, popularly known as Malapascua Island.

Police Captain Ian Macatangay, chief of the town's police station, said that the 15-year-old victim accompanied by her parents reported the incident to them on Thursday morning, the same day the alleged rape happened.

According to the victim, she was gathering shellfish early on that day when Orongan allegedly approached her and brought her to the shore where she was raped.

Upon learning the said incident with some witnesses also pointed to Orongan as the suspect, personnel from the town's police station including a tourist police assigned in the area conducted a hot pursuit operation around 6 a.m. yesterday morning.

When the arresting officers arrived at Orongan's residence, the suspect who was allegedly hiding behind a tree, suddenly attempted to stab them with a long knife.

Due to the threat, Police Staff Sergeant Chris Rondina, one of the six arresting officers, prompted fire once at Orongan hitting his body that resulted in his fall.

They tried to revive Orongan with the medical assistance from the rural health unit (RHU) but he was later declared dead.

Based on the station's record, Orongan was convicted in November 2016 for robbery.

As of yesterday, the alleged rape victim was referred to Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC) for medical examination. — GMR (FREEMAN)