Marikina traffic aide fired over rape, abuse

MANILA, Philippines — Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro yesterday fired a traffic aide accused of raping a volunteer at the Marikina Sports Center last July 6.

He directed city administrator to terminate the contract of Arren Atanacio as a Traffic Aide 1 at the Office of Public Safety and Security.

“We will not tolerate such act. I had enough. There are so many complaints against him that’s why I immediately ordered the city administrator (to terminate him,)” Teodoro said.

Atanacio is also facing charges of hazing, sexual harassment and other forms of abuse filed by at least 13 persons aged 14 to 26 before the city prosecutor’s office this year.

A 23-year-old woman accused Atanacio of raping her at the Junior Police headquarters at the sports center.

Atanacio was supposed to be the trainor of the Marikina police’s Junior Police, comprised of individuals who volunteered to help man traffic in the city.

A medico-legal exam by the Eastern Police District’s Crime Laboratory showed the woman had been raped.