Van robber-rapist gets life in prison

MANILA, Philippines — A Quezon City court has sentenced the driver of a colorum van to life in prison for the rape and robbery of a female passenger in 2016.

Wilfredo Lorenzo was found guilty of robbery with rape under Article 295 of the Revised Penal Code by Judge Alfonso Ruiz II of the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 216.

The court ordered Lorenzo to return the stolen items and pay the victim P180,000 in civil, moral and exemplary damages.

The judge dismissed Lorenzo’s alibi that he was sleeping at his house at the time the crime was committed.

The victim said she rode Lorenzo’s van near a mall in Makati on April 5, 2016.

While traversing EDSA, Lorenzo declared a heist and threatened to shoot the victim if she resisted.

Lorenzo’s cohort, Rey Diaz, who was hiding in the van, came out through the backseat and replaced the former in the driver’s seat.

Lorenzo tied up the victim using her socks and handkerchief and raped her while Diaz was driving along C-5 Road going to Quezon City, police records showed.

Lorenzo took the victim’s mobile phone, P6,800 in cash and two ATM cards before they abandoned her along Roxas street.

The victim was able to report the incident to the Kamuning police station with the help of a woman. 

Lorenzo and Diaz were held by the Quezon City police on a string of robbery and rape complaints filed by female passengers.

At least six complainants have filed charges against Lorenzo.

Authorities had confirmed that Lorenzo was employed as a driver by Police Officer 2  Gregorio Bangsil, who was previously assigned with the Cubao police station.