Cop sacked for ‘rape’ of unconscious woman

MANILA, Philippines — For allegedly raping an unconscious woman at a motel in Manila in December last year, a patrolman has been dismissed from the police service.

The National Police Commission (Napolcom) found Pat. Joshua Mendoza liable for grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer, based on substantial evidence, including eyewitness accounts, medico legal findings, video footage and the testimony of the complainant.

The Napolcom ruled that Mendoza committed acts of sexual violence against the victim, who was unconscious and incapable of giving consent, in violation of Republic Act 8353.

The commission said Mendoza’s actions showed intentional wrongdoing and a blatant disregard for the law, describing these as acts of moral corruption that make him unfit to remain in the police service.

According to the woman, Mendoza – an acquaintance of her husband – invited her out under the pretext of helping reconcile the couple’s relationship.

The victim alleged that Mendoza “placed something in her drink” in a bar along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City, causing her to feel dizzy.

The victim said she regained consciousness in a motel in Manila. A medico-legal examination confirmed that she had been raped.

Investigators also cited closed-circuit television footage that showed Mendoza carrying an unconscious woman into a motel in Sampaloc, Manila on Dec. 4, 2025.

The complaint against Mendoza was formally filed on Jan. 13.

Napolcom Commissioner Rafael Vicente Calinisan said there is no place in the police service for such acts, describing the exploitation of an unconscious woman not only as a crime, but a betrayal of public trust.

The Napolcom cleared Pat. Jehan Mendoza, who was also named in the complaint, for lack of evidence.