By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan | Philippine News Agency
The victim of the alleged rape and robbery incident in Bacoor, Cavite has filed administrative complaints against the 14 involved police officers before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old victim, identified only as “Nena”; her cousin, 25-year-old factory worker “Stephen”; and his partner, 22-year-old “Dona,” filed the administrative complaint.
In a press briefing held at Napolcom main office in Quezon City, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan identified the team leader as PLt. Ram Rojun Pastor Maristela, the one who allegedly raped the victim.
According to Nena, she was not the target of the police operation, but her boyfriend, who was accused by the police of being involved in the drug trade.
Calinisan condemned Maristela’s actions as “reprehensible, unacceptable, and a betrayal of public trust.”
“Walang puwang ang panggagahasa, walang puwang ang pagnanakaw sa loob ng PNP (Philippine National Police). Tatapusin natin itong maliligayang araw nitong si Lt. Ram Maristela, tapos na ‘yung maliligayang araw mo,” he said.
He emphasized that Napolcom’s role is to guarantee accountability and uphold the standards expected of the police.
The Napolcom, meanwhile, commended the swift action of the Bacoor City Police, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Headquarters Support Unit, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion, whose coordinated follow-up operation led to the arrest of eight of the 14 rogue officers and recovery of stolen items.
“The public deserves a police force they can trust. And we will not allow the actions of a few to tarnish the dedication of the many good, honest, and hardworking police officers,” Calinisan said.
In the same press briefing, Bacoor City Police Chief PLt.Col. Alexie Desamito said the eight— including the team leader—were arrested last Sunday at the DEG SOU 4A’s office in Calamba City.
