Biker who harassed woman in Caloocan still at large

MANILA, Philippines — Almost two months after a video showing a motorcycle-riding man harassing a woman in Caloocan went viral, police have yet to identify and apprehend the man.

Acting Caloocan police chief Col. Ruben Lacuesta said a “dedicated team” of police officers are still searching for the suspect.

In an interview over dzRH on Thursday, Lacuesta said he hopes the public would be able to identify the man and locate him since the incident happened in broad daylight.

Samantha Pargad posted on Facebook that the man approached her as she was walking to church along Alma Jose street in Barangay 177, North Caloocan at around 6 a.m. on Sept. 5.

She said the man introduced himself as a police officer and forced her to sit on his motorcycle after she refused his initial offer to give her a ride. He also tried to grab her when she moved to avoid him, Pargad said.

She posted a closed-circuit television video of the incident and sought the help of Caloocan police to arrest the man who harassed her.

Victim charged

However, then newly installed Caloocan police chief Col. Ferdinand del Rosario ordered the filing of charges against Pargad, calling the incident a hoax and claiming that she and the rider knew each other.

Pargad was charged with libel and unlawful use of means of publication in late September. Del Rosario accused Pargad of maligning the reputation of the police.

Del Rosario was removed as city police chief a week after he assumed the post, according to earlier reports.

‘Mistakenly filed’

On Oct. 24, the city police – through investigation unit chief Lt. Ronald Batalla – withdrew the charges against Pargad and admitted “the complaint was mistakenly filed… as it arose from my misapprehension of facts and circumstances.”

The city prosecutor approved the police’s motion and dismissed the charges against Pargad.

Lacuesta, who replaced del Rosario, said National Capital Region Police Office chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo has apologized to Pargad and her family for the “inconvenience” caused by the charges against her.

Estomo also assured Pargad that she would be given police protection should she ask for it, Lacuesta said.