Ex-cop nabbed for rape

CEBU, Philippines - A former police official was arrested yesterday afternoon in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel, Cebu City by virtue of the warrant of arrest issued by the court for rape.

Donald Geniston, 41, was arrested by the members of the Pari-an Police Station at 5:30 p.m. on the strength of the warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Nathaniel Andal.

Geniston was holding a rank of senior inspector when dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman in 2014 after he was found administratively guilty. He used to be the chief of police of Santa Fe town in Bantayan Island.

Geniston expressed his disappointment at the justice system, saying even policemen could be arrested without due process.

“Pait kaayo hunahunaon ba. Hasta sa mga pulis wala’y hustisya. Ni wala gani due process,” said Geniston who was accused of raping a 16-year-old girl in 2012.

Geniston denied the accusation, saying he just wanted to help the girl and her family.

“Naluoy man sad gud mi ba kay naglisod pud sila mao na nga amo na lang pud gipatrabaho-trabaho sa amoa,” he said.

Geniston said the girl left their house after she got scolded. He said he was surprised when the family of the girl filed a criminal complaint against him before the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged rape.

Geniston lamented that he was not afforded due process. He claimed to have not been given the chance to submit his counter affidavit.

“Wala gyud ko nakatubag ana kay wala man gyud ko’y nadawat bisan usa,” said Geniston.

Geniston is confident that he will be vindicated, claiming that the family of the girl had already admitted making up the charges. He said the complainant was allegedly prodded by a politician, whom he refused to name, to file the case.

“Naapil lang gyud ko sa pamolitika ani. Negative pa man gani kuno ang medical certificate. Ambot lang naunsa ni. Gigamitan tingali og kuwarta kay datu man pud sila,” said Geniston.

He was at his house yesterday afternoon when the police served the arrest warrant on him.  (FREEMAN)