Man nabbed in Concepcion rape complaint

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A woman with hearing and speech disabilities accused her neighbor of sexually assaulting her on Sunday morning, April 19, in Concepcion, Iloilo.

Police identified the complainant only as alias Jean, 20.

Jean alleged that Ryan, 45, sexually assaulted her in a grassy area in their village at about 7 a.m.

A barangay official reported the incident to the police more than four hours later.

Capt. Johnny Oro, Concepcion police chief, said police immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation.

Police arrested Ryan in a mountainous area of the same barangay at about 7:30 p.m.

The police investigation showed that the victim was walking along the barangay road when the suspect allegedly dragged her into a bushy area beside the road.

Police said the suspect then allegedly punched her in the stomach, causing her to fall to the ground.

Investigators said the suspect allegedly pulled down her pajamas and underwear, undressed himself, and forced himself on her.

After the incident, the victim complained of severe pain in her stomach and lower body.

She also alleged that the suspect gave her PHP 500.

In his defense, Ryan claimed that the sexual encounter was consensual.

“Hindi niya daw pinilit. Niyaya daw siya. Hinawakan niya lang daw,” Oro said.

Ryan also told investigators that Jean asked him for PHP 500.

He claimed that when he refused to give her the money, she left crying.

Oro, however, said initial medical findings showed lacerations on the complainant’s genitals.

Ryan is under police custody while authorities prepare the appropriate charges.

The case highlights the added vulnerability of persons with disabilities to sexual violence and the importance of immediate reporting and intervention in abuse cases.