Vendor, Construction Worker Arrested for Rape

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Two men accused of rape were arrested in separate police operations on the evening of March 6 in Sara, Iloilo.

Police identified the suspects as alias Wil, 19, a construction worker from Barangay Pasig, Sara, and alias Gene, 24, a street vendor from Barangay Jamul-Awon, Concepcion town.

Wil was arrested at 7:45 p.m. on Thursday at his home, while Gene was apprehended at 8:30 p.m. in Barangay Devera, Sara.

Members of the Sara Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Maritime Police, Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Intelligence Unit (IPPO-PIU), and Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 6, arrested the suspects for Rape by Carnal Knowledge under Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act).

The charges are docketed under Criminal Case Numbers 12133 and 12134.

Judge Ethel Demaisip Sanson of the 6th Regional Trial Court, Branch 66, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, issued the arrest warrants.

No bail was recommended for their temporary release.

Wil and Gene are ranked as Iloilo province’s 7th and 8th most wanted persons, respectively.

Major Jose Nemias Pamplona, Sara police chief, said the incident occurred a few years ago while the suspects were working at a perya (carnival).

The victim was also at the perya with relatives who were working there when the alleged sexual molestation happened.

Wil and Gene are currently detained and will be turned over to the court.