Two masseurs nabbed for ‘rape’

CEBU, Philippines — Two male massage therapists were arrested after their female Korean customers accused them of rape Saturday dawn.

The suspects were identified as Elmer Espinosa, 35, and Jay-R Fe Cortez, 27, both residents of Cebu City. The suspects work as masseurs in a massage parlor in Barangay Capitol Site, Cebu City.

Police Officer 3 Richell Bibas of the Women and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) at Abellana Police Station said the Korean victims, ages 19 and 20, reported to their station the alleged rape. A follow up operation resulted in the arrest of Espinosa and Cortez.

The victims claimed that they availed themselves of the massage service but ended up being raped by their male the rapists. According to the victims, the suspects touched their private parts and inserted their fingers despite their begging them to stop. Both Espinosa and Cortez denied the allegations.

Espinosa told The Freeman that the victims chose to be handled by male therapists.

"Sila man ang gusto nga lalaki ang mo-massage nila. Unya usa pa kay nananghid man mi kung ipa-apilba ang (dughan) misugot man.

Tinarong ni'ng amoa. Limpyo gyod among konsensiya," Espinosa said.

Bibas said they are waiting for the victims to come back and execute their complaint affidavits for the filing of the formal complaints before the Cebu City Prosecutor's Office today. It was the second incident involving Koreans being allegedly raped by male massage therapist.

Last year a Korean national also sought the help of Mabolo Police Station after she was allegedly raped by an 18-year-old masseur while having a massage. (FREEMAN)