Drunk woman gang-raped by friends

Four men were arrested yesterday morning for allegedly having gang-raped a woman while she was drunk last weekend in Quezon City.

The suspects were identified as Ronie Valdez, 34; Edmar Tegol, 19; Andrew Temiagna, 21; and Renato Sakayan, 32 — all residents of Lower Empire, Phase 3, Lupang Pangako in Payatas.

The police put the suspects under inquest proceedings yesterday afternoon.

Barangay Public Safety Officers and civil military operatives deployed in Lupang Pangako led the arrest upon the request of the victim.

The victim, 22, claimed she was raped at Sakayan’s house by the four suspects, who she said were her friends, Friday night up to Saturday morning.

According to the victim, she, the suspects, and three other friends went to a wake Friday night somewhere in Payatas, which they left minutes later when the area became crowded.

The group decided to have a drink somewhere in the area. After two bottles of brandy, the victim requested she be brought home because she felt she was already drunk.

When her three other friends had left, the group proceeded to Sakayan’s house as the victim still felt dizzy and could not walk alone.

According to the victim, she rushed to the bathroom to vomit. Sakayan allegedly followed her there and started to grope her.

The victim said Sakayan carried her into the living room, where all the lights were turned off. She was then brought to the bedroom where the suspects allegedly raped her until 1 a.m. Saturday.

One of the victim’s friends later returned to bring her home. The victim then complained that she had been raped and reported it to authorities in Camp Crame.

Physical examination confirmed that the victim was raped, prompting the police to recommend the arrest of the suspects.    – Reinir Padua