Ex-village chief, 71, nabbed for rape, child abuse raps

By Jennifer P. Rendon 

A former barangay captain was arrested for rape and child abuse charges.

71-year-old William “Ayam” Once was collared at his house in Barangay Mianay, Ivisan, Capiz around 2:30 p.m. of May 22, 2020.

Members of Ivisan Police Station arrested the suspect for alleged violation of Section 5 (b), Article III of Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act) and rape under Article 266-A, Par. 1 (d) of Revised Penal Code as amended by RA 8353 (The Anti-Rape Law of 1997) in Criminal Case Numbers 18-8969 C-116-20 and C-117-20, respectively.

Roxas City Regional Trial Court Judge Esperanza Isabel Poco-Deslate issued the arrest warrant on March 20, 2020.

No bail was set for Once’s temporary liberty.

Police Corporal Dianne Allanic of the Ivisan Police Station-Women and Children Protection Desk said a 14-year old girl filed the complaint against Once.

While he knew that criminal charges were filed against him, the suspect did not attempt to flee claiming he is innocent.

Allanic said the suspect had no prior criminal cases.

Once is now detained. (Photo Courtesy of Shutterstock)