Cops file criminal raps vs Baron Geisler

MANILA, Philippines - Police filed yesterday six criminal charges against actor Baron Geisler for his alleged sexual advances on teen actress Yasmien Kurdi during a taping for their soap opera in Bulacan last month.

Chief Superintendent Yolanda Tanigue, director of the PNP-Women and Children Protection Office (WCPO), said investigators found probable cause to support charges of act of lasciviousness and other sexual advances against Geisler.

“We filed six different criminal charges, including acts of lasciviousness and unjust vexation against Geisler before the Bulacan Prosecutor’s Office, which has jurisdiction on Bocaue, where the alleged offenses took place,” Tanigue said.

Based on the complaint, Kurdi said the sexual advances took place last May 21, or two days after they were introduced to each other for their upcoming television soap, Suspetsa.

Kurdi then sought the assistance of the WCPO last May 25.

Kurdi, accompanied by her lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, arrived at the WCPO headquarters in Camp Crame around noon yesterday.

The WCPO director said a professional counselor will be assigned to Kurdi to help her overcome the psychological and emotional effects of Geisler’s alleged offenses.

Tanigue and Kurdi talked during closed-door meeting and Topacio decided not to join the session to allow his client to talk freely.

Tanigue said she asked Kurdi clarificatory questions, specifically on when and where the incidents occurred, during which the girl revealed more information against Geisler.

She said the WCPO will no longer summon Geisler, who can air his side during the preliminary investigation.

“Our office is open to him if he wants to air his side,” Tanigue said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe