Church security guard jailed for rape in Talisay

CEBU, Philippines — A security guard at Sta. Teresa de Avila Church was arrested for allegedly raping a19-year-old senior high school student from Lawaan National High School on Saturday evening.

Joseph Saurnido, 39, a native of Alcantara, Cebu and a resident of Naga City, was arrested by police on Sunday after he was positively identified by the victim.

Senior Police Officer 1 Shidney Taboco of the Talisay Police Women and Children’s Police Desk said the victim had gone to the church, located in Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City, to pray after she had a misunderstanding with the aunt whom she was living with.

Based on the victim’s account, Taboco narrated that Saurnido, the security guard on duty, saw the victim inside the church and allegedly offered a mosquito-repellent lotion to the victim to protect her from mosquito bites, but the victim refused.

Due to the continuous downpour of rain, the victim asked permission from Saurnido if she can sleep at the store inside the church’s premises.

Saurnido told her that he would ask permission and the victim assumed that the guard would ask the church’s parish priest.

The guard came back saying that she can stay at the covered court. He offered her bread and a bottle of soft drinks which she took because she also felt hungry.

The victim narrated that after she finished eating, she felt weak as if all her strength drained away. Although she felt sleepy, she remained conscious but unaware of her surroundings.

It was then that the rape was done, the victim said.

“Niingon gyud ang biktima nga gilaway-lawayan gyud siya sa gwardya unya dili naman gyud siya makasyagit kay igo raman gyud siya makaingon nga ‘Ayaw kuya’,” Taboco said.

When she regained her strength early morning on Sunday, she immediately left the church and hailed a tricycle.

“Ang estorya gyud sa biktima sa traysikol drayber nga gilugos siya sa guard, guard, guard. Mao ra gyud na ang malitok sa iyang baba,” she said.

The victim refused to be interviewed and police said she is suffering from trauma.

The medical examination conducted showed lacerations on the victim’s genitals.

Taboco said that they are not discounting the possibility that Saurnido added some form of drug to the food he gave to the victim.

In an interview, Saurnido denied that he raped the victim.

Saurnido told reporters that when he saw the student entering the church premises on Saturday evening, he approached her and asked whom she was waiting for.

The girl replied that she was waiting for her boyfriend.

Minutes later, Saurnido alleged that he saw the victim leaving the church. He further said that the girl returned to the church around 2 a.m. on Sunday, adding that he offered her a cup of coffee and some bread.

“Wala gyud ko nanghilabot, wala gyud ko ana kay pamilyado ko,” he stressed.

During his arrest, police confiscated Saurnido’s service firearm, a .38 caliber revolver with an expired license and six bullets. Saurnido said he is employed by the Flying Ace security agency.

Police will file charges of rape and illegal possession of firearms against the suspect. (FREEMAN)