Ateneo probes alleged rape on campus

MANILA, Philippines—Ateneo De Manila University has started an investigation into a reported rape case at its Katipunan, Quezon City campus.

In a statement released Saturday, Mira Ofreneo, head of the Sexual Misconduct Task Force of the Loyola Schools, said her department is taking the anonymous report on the alleged rape seriously and vowed to probe the incident.

“We are shocked and outraged by this report. Rape is a heinous crime and is a grave violation of a person’s bodily integrity and human dignity. No one should be made to suffer such an act of sexual violence,” Ofreneo said.

“We are taking the anonymous report seriously, and verifying the information starting with whatever leads are available from the post,” she added.

Ofreneo made the statement after a student took to social media to complain about being raped in the men's room of one of the campus buildings.

The alleged rape was anonymously reported via the Facebook page ADMU Freedom Wall, a page dedicated to posting online concerns of Ateneans.

In her post, the student claimed that she was raped by two muscular guys who hit her before taking her to the restroom, where she was sexually assaulted. She claimed she does not know who the perpetrators are as she was blindfolded.

“I feel so scared typing this but I just can't take it anymore. I don't feel safe in our school anymore,” the online post read.

The anonymous report was posted Sunday but was submitted to the Facebook page on November 24.

Ofreneo said the university does not tolerate any form of sexual violence on campus. She added that they “condemn the act of those who, without conscience, perpetrated such an act.”

The university official vowed to verify the report and said the perpetrators would be held accountable.

“If the report is confirmed, we will bear down on the perpetrators with the full force of law. Until then, all are requested to remain calm and vigilant, and to avoid any speculation so as to prevent disinformation from spreading,” Ofreneo said.

Ofreneo called on anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious around the reported area where the assault happened and report it to her department.

She also felt sorry for the pain and suffering of the girl who reported the alleged rape.

“Our hearts go out to you and our doors are open to provide you a safe space and the necessary support and assistance,” Ofreneo said.

The student council's Commission on Anti-Sexual Misconduct and Violence also said “investigation efforts are being coordinated at a university level.”

Vice President for the Loyola Schools officer-in-charge Nina Rosario Rojas, who also condemned the alleged rape, also vowed to hold the perpetrators accountable for the supposed assault.

“The Ateneo decries any and all forms of violence, whether they are committed in or outside the campus. Students will be held accountable, and the appropriate sanctions will be imposed, including possible dismissal, if warranted,” Rojas said in a statement.

Under the Anti-Sexual Harassment Policy version 2.0 of Ateneo, any person who “directs, or induces another to commit any act of sexyal harassment or who cooperates in the commission shall be liable under the policy.”

“The Ateneo de Manila University is committed to maintaining a posivive learning, working and living environment. The University will not tolerate any act of sexual harassment or retaliation against any complaint or witness by any member of the University community and/or participants ofany University activities or programs,” the policy approved May 2018 read.

The reported assault came a month after a student also accused one of the faculty members of Ateneo of sexual harassment and misconduct.

READ: ‘Me too’ at Ateneo: University says probe has been launched

Then vice president for the Loyola Schools, Maria Luz Vilches, said school administration is conducting an official investigation into the sexual complaints filed by students against the unnamed faculty member.

Ateneo last Saturday also issued a statement saying it investigating reports about the mauling of one its students in a nearby bar last November 22.

Pahayag Tungkol sa Reklamo Tungkol sa Pananakit ng Isang Mag-aaral sa Labas ng Unibersidad pic.twitter.com/2Fd30UeZ4i

— Ateneo de Manila (@ateneodemanilau) November 24, 2018