Ilocos Sur teen slay: Cops in 2 towns axed

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines  – All personnel of the Cabugao and San Juan police stations in Ilocos Sur have been relieved from their posts in connection with the killing of a 15-year-old girl.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa issued the order on Thursday following the filing of criminal charges against S/Sgts. Randy Ramos and Marawi Torda, the suspects in the killing.

Ilocos Sur police director Col. Ronald Tagao said San Juan police chief Capt. Benjamin Raquedan was replaced by Maj. Rodel Olarte.  Capt. Ramil Llarenas of the Cabugao police was replaced by Capt. Dennis Laño.

The victim was shot after she and her cousin filed a complaint against Ramos and Torda for acts of lasciviousness and rape, respectively, on July 2.

The victims were reportedly accosted by Ramos and Torda for quarantine violations on July 1.

S/Sgt. Merly Joy Pascua of the Cabugao police station’s women and children protection desk was relieved from her post for denying the victim’s request for a security escort after she filed the complaint.

Rolando Quilala, chairman of Barangay Palting, was charged for allegedly brokering an offer to settle the complaint against the two police officers in exchange for an undetermined amount of money.