Massacre suspect seeks sexual favors from co-detainee’s partner

MANILA, Philippines — A detained suspect in the 2009 Maguindanao massacre was caught making sexual advances on the partner of his co-detainee at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 Judge Genie Gapas-Agbada last week affirmed the transfer of suspect Police Officer 1 Ducoy Badal to the Special Intensive Care Area 2 (SICA-2) of Camp Bagong Diwa after he was caught sending lewd messages to the partner of a co-detainee.

Badal asked the court not to allow his transfer to SICA-2, citing threats to his life because members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who are sworn enemies of his clan are in the same compound.

But in a two-page order dated April 16, Agbada declined the transfer request as there was no actual physical harm or violence committed against Badal, or an actual threat from members of the MNLF.

She also cited the report of the Quezon City Jail-Annex officer-in-charge Luis Franco Cleofe, who assured the safety of Badal in the detention facility.

In his report submitted to the court, Cleofe said Badal was transferred to SICA-2 last month after he was caught seeking sexual favors from the wife of a co-detainee.

He surrendered a cell phone, which revealed a conversation wherein Badal asked his co-detainee’s partner to go on live chat and undress in exchange for money.

Cleofe said the discovery of the messages angered the co-detainee and his other dormmates, which could result in a violent disturbance or riot.

He said Badal is secured at SICA-2 as the MNLF detainees are isolated and cannot interact with other suspects.

Badal is facing an investigation for violating jail rules, including possession of a cellular phone and sexual harassment.