Second suspect in teacher's rape slain

MANILA, Philippines - The second suspect in the rape of a public school teacher in Malabon City three weeks ago was shot dead Friday night, police said yesterday.

Celso Cantojos, 23, who was recently released from prison after serving time for robbery, was gunned down in front of his house in Barangay Catmon at around 10:45 p.m.

He was shot once in the head and thrice in the chest. Police recovered .45 caliber shells near his body.

The attack on Cantojos was preceded by that of Patrick Sella, 21, who was also shot dead near his house in Sitio 6 in Barangay Catmon at around 9:40 a.m. on April 7. Sella’s attackers shot him twice in the head, once in the chest, in the abdomen and in the left shoulder.

Police Officer 3 Ismael Tayaban said yesterday his colleagues are investigating both killings.

A village official, requesting anonymity, said one night in the first week of April, a teacher sought their help, claiming five men – armed with knives and handguns – dragged her from a passing passenger jeepney, brought her to a secluded area of the old dump and raped her.

The victim refused to officially report the attack to authorities, fearing her rapists would harm her family, the official said.

Another source said the teacher knows the men who raped her.