Brgy. councilman accused of rape

CEBU, Philippines -  A barangay councilman of Alcoy town was arrested Thursday evening after he was accused of rape and acts of lasciviousness.

The accused was arrested in his house around 7 a.m. by elements of the Regional Public Safety Battalion-7 and the Alcoy Police Station who came with a warrant issued by Judge Maximo Perez of the Regional Trial Court Branch 26 in Argao last Tuesday.

He is now detained at the RPSB-7 headquarters in Sibonga town.

Supt. Clarito Baja, battalion executive officer of the RPSB-7, said a 15-year-old girl said accused him of rape during three incidents in 2010 and 2011.

Based on the records of the Alcoy Police Station, the 15-year-old victim reported she was first molested on the evening of December 27, 2010.

PO1 Marivel Pardo, said the victim attended a benefit dance in the said barangay together with her friends when the accused approached them. One of the victim’s friends went out of the dancing area which prompted the victim to go after her.

The accused followed the victim and suddenly covered her mouth and dragged her to a comfort outside his house. There the accused allegedly groped her private parts.

The second incident happened in March 17, 2011 when the victim was watching a basketball tournament when the accused appeared from behind. The victim walked away to avoid him, however, he followed her. 

Before she could run, the suspect allegedly held her tight and took her to a dark portion of the place and raped her.

The last incident happened in October 16, 2011 when the victim was at an Internet café watching her friends playing an online game when the accused tapped her shoulder and told her to follow him outside.

The victim refused but the accused reportedly threatened her. He reportedly took the victim to the basketball court near a barangay tanod office and there molested her.

The victim said she did not report the incidents immediately due to fear.  (FREEMAN)