An 18-year-old woman, alongside her relatives, filed administrative complaints Tuesday against 14 police officers, including a lieutenant accused of raping her during a misguided operation in Bacoor, Cavite.
The victim, identified only as “Nena” to protect her privacy, was joined by her 25-year-old cousin, “Stephen,” and his 22-year-old partner, “Dona,” at the National Police Commission (Napolcom) main office.
At a press briefing, Napolcom Vice Chairperson Rafael Vicente Calinisan identified the primary suspect as Lt. Ram Rojun Pastor Maristela, the leader of the police team. Calinisan condemned the officer’s alleged actions as “reprehensible, unacceptable, and a betrayal of public trust.”
According to the complaint, Nena was not the intended target of the police operation. Officers were allegedly searching for her boyfriend, whom they accused of involvement in the drug trade.
“There is no room for rape, there is no room for theft within the PNP,” Calinisan said in a mix of English and Filipino. “We will end these happy days of this Lt. Ram Maristela, your happy days are over.”
He emphasized that the commission’s role is to ensure accountability and uphold the standards expected of the national police.
In a related development, the Napolcom commended several police units—including the Bacoor City Police and regional divisions—for their swift follow-up operation. That effort led to the arrest last Sunday of eight of the 14 accused officers and the recovery of stolen items.
Bacoor City police chief Lt. Col. Alexie Desamito confirmed the eight, including Maristela, were arrested at a police office in Calamba City.
Calinisan sought to reassure the public, stating, “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.”
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