Rookie cop arrested over attempted rape complaint

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A rookie police officer was arrested after he allegedly made sexual advances toward a pension house employee on June 10 in the City Proper district of Iloilo City.

The Police Regional Office 6 confirmed the arrest of an officer assigned to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 6 in connection with an alleged attempted rape incident at a pension house in Barangay Villa Anita, City Proper.

The officer, identified only as alias Lee, 29, is a native of Purok 4, Nangka, Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.

He is a member of RMFB-6’s 602nd Maneuver Company based in Calinog, Iloilo.

Police said Lee allegedly checked in at Room 18 on the third floor of the pension house.

The complainant assisted him to the room.

When they reached the room, the complainant quickly mopped the floor while the police officer was inside.

Lee allegedly went out of the room, quickly returned and locked the door.

While the woman was explaining the room rate, the police officer allegedly grabbed and hugged her and forced her to lie on the bed.

The complainant allegedly told the officer she had to check on her child and would return to the room.

Instead, she called her live-in partner, and they went to Iloilo City Police Station 7.

In a statement, PRO-6 chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said “responding personnel immediately conducted the appropriate police response, which resulted in the arrest of the involved officer.”

Tuaño said the incident is under criminal investigation, while separate administrative proceedings are also being initiated in accordance with existing Philippine National Police rules and regulations.

“PRO-6 maintains a firm stance against any form of misconduct or unlawful act committed by its personnel. Acts that violate the law and the ethical standards of the organization have no place in the police service and erode public trust and confidence,” he added.

PRO-6 officials assured the public that the incident would be dealt with accordingly and that appropriate criminal and administrative actions would be pursued against the involved personnel in accordance with the law and existing PNP policies.

Under PNP rules, police personnel accused of wrongdoing may face administrative proceedings separate from any criminal complaint filed before prosecutors or the courts.