Cavite police officer relieved, investigated over alleged rape of detainee

Cavite police officer relieved, investigated over alleged rape of detainee

The Cavite Police Provincial Office said Thursday it has relieved a police officer and filed administrative and criminal charges against him over an alleged rape involving a detainee at the Noveleta Municipal Police Station.

In a statement, Acting Provincial Director Col. Ariel R. Red said the command “strongly condemns any act of abuse or misconduct” and stressed that the Philippine National Police “will never tolerate any form of abuse.”

Police said a report was received through the 911 KALASAG hotline on Sept. 18 regarding an alleged violation of the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8353).

The alleged victim, identified only as “Liza,” was detained at the Noveleta station when the offense reportedly occurred.

Investigators immediately launched a probe and subjected the victim to a medico-legal examination at the Cavite Provincial Forensic Unit, officials said.

The National Police Commission in Region 4A also conducted an inspection at the police station to validate the report and ensure proper handling of the case.

The Women and Children Protection Desk and the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit are conducting a joint investigation to determine the facts, police added.

The officer accused in the incident was relieved from his post and reassigned to the Provincial Personnel Holding and Accounting Section to ensure impartiality. His firearm was also surrendered for safekeeping.

“The PNP reiterates that no one is above the law, especially those entrusted to enforce it,” Red said. “Every member of the organization is expected to live by the PNP’s core values of service, honor, and justice.”

Authorities assured the public of transparency and due process in the investigation.