Relieved Davao Sur cop chief faces sexual raps

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The relieved police director of Davao del Sur is now facing rape and sexual harassment charges filed against him by four policewomen and the wives of his two fellow police officers.

The complainants formally filed this week the administrative and criminal charges before the National Police Commission and the Office of the Ombudsman against Senior Superintendent Cesario Darantinao Jr. who was relieved last July 3 as Davao del Sur police director.

The complainants unabashedly cried as each narrated during a press conference here Friday their ordeal in the hands of Darantinao.

Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption chairman Dante Jimenez said they would assist the complainants in seeking justice against Darantinao.

“Who can the people run to when we have officers like that in the PNP?” Jimenez said, adding that Darantinao’s acts should prod the PNP leadership to look into other police officers who might be abusing their own personnel. – Edith Regalado