Suspect in rape of girl, 16, leaves ID card at crime scene

STA. BARBARA, ILOILO, Philippines  — A 38-year-old laborer was arrested by the town police for alleged rape of a 16-year-old girl after he was identified through his identification card that he inadvertently left at the crime scene.

The suspect, Lito Solis, a married resident of this town, also left behind his underwear, pair of shorts and a towel, in his haste to leave the scene where he dragged and raped in girl in a dimly-lit portion despite pleas for help from the victim.

According to PO2 Liza Paclibar, investigator of the town Police’s Women and Children’s Desk, the incident happened at around 7:10 p.m. of Wednesday.

The victim, an out-of-school youth, was in an errand by her parents to fetch her older brother who was playing a basketball game in a nearby barangay.

On her way to the basketball court, she passed by a group of men who were on a drinking binge. Shortly after, Solis, who was among the drinking group, allegedly followed her and, upon reaching a secluded area, dragged and raped her.

While the suspect was abusing the girl, a tricycle driver passed by and heard the victim’s shout for help. The driver turned back to the scene for confirmation but, instead of extending immediate help, decided to report the incident to barangay officials and tanods.

Solis immediately fled before the responding tanods arrived, but he left behind some items and his own ID card that helped the policemen in arresting him in less than an hour.

Solis is now detained at the Sta. Barbara Police Station while the victim was taken to the Western Visayas Medical Center for medical examinations.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office said it was fourth rape case recorded in a span of three weeks. (FREEMAN)