PNP starts probe of rape tries on Parojinog

MANILA, Philippines — The Internal Affairs Service (IAS) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has started its probe on the alleged sexual assaults by a police official on former Ozamiz City vice mayor Nova Princess Parojinog.

IAS inspector general Alfegar Triambulo said yesterday their investigators have interviewed personnel at the PNP Custodial Center where Parojinog is detained.

“Our investigators already have an initial report after their coordination with the Women and Children Protection Center (WCPC),” he said in a text message.

The WCPC on Wednesday filed charges of attempted rape, acts of lasciviousness, unjust vexation and violation of Republic Act 11313 or the Safe Spaces Act against Lt. Col. Jigger Noceda, whom Parojinog accused of sexually assaulting her on at least two occasions this year.

Noceda was relieved from his post as chief of the Custodial Service Unit and placed under restrictive custody following Parojinog’s allegations.

Triambulo is not discounting the possibility that more police officers could face administrative charges  if proven they were aware of Noceda’s atrocities on Parojinog.

“Depende na ‘iyon kung may mahagip pang mga tauhan sa PNP Custodial Center,” he said.

Noceda has remained silent on the allegations against him.

Meanwhile, Sen. Leila de Lima yesterday reiterated the need to look into cases of abuse suffered by female detainees in jails and prisons.

“If such abuse is committed against a high-profile detainee right in Camp Crame, what about in ordinary correctional facilities?” she said.

De Lima said there is a need for concrete and effective mechanisms to address the grievances of inmates and institutionalize investigative procedures to address abuses. – Cecille Suerte Felipe