Cop in rape suspect's escape now under camp restriction

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman who allegedly let a rape suspect escape from the Mabolo Police Station is now under camp restriction as ordered by Cebu City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Ramon Melvin Buenafe.

Police Officer 1 Lloyd Magdadaro is in the custody of the City Intelligence Branch while the Investigation and Detective Management Branch and the CIB are conducting separate investigations into his case.

He is now in a floating status.

Chief Inspector Romeo Santander, the CIB chief, said they already confiscated Magdadaro’s firearm.

Chief Inspector George Ylanan, the IDMB chief, plans to include in the investigation all personnel at the Mabolo Police Station who were on duty during the incident.

Among those eyed to be investigated are SPO2 Fe Altobar of the Women’s and Children’s Desk Protection and PO3 Raymundo Ratso, desk officer on duty.

Ylanan said they have yet to check if Chief Inspector Aurio Sanchez, chief of the Mabolo Police Station, will be included in the investigation.

The IDMB will also check if there was a proper turnover made between the police officer and the barangay tanods.

Lysander Pardilla, a security officer of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor), was accused of raping a 22-year-old employee of King’s Business Center along Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City last Saturday afternoon.

The victim had claimed she was serving bottles of beer to Pardilla when his two companions grabbed her arms and forced her to sit between them.

The woman also said the suspect hailed a taxi and pushed her inside, telling the driver to bring them to a motel. She said she was not able to shout because the suspect was tightly holding her jaw.

After the incident about 4:00 p.m., the suspect got down along Archbishop Reyes and instructed the driver to drop the victim along Salinas Drive.

The victim went instead to the Barrio Luz barangay hall to report the incident.

Accompanying the victim, barangay tanods Joel Gelig, Ruel Lambayong and Dante Palconet went to the convenience store and arrested the suspect.

Santander said they have to look into the incident thoroughly since rape is not a simple crime and the suspect needs to face charges.

Magdadaro refuses to issue any statement on the case.

“Hinaut nga masabtan ninyo akong side,” he said, adding that he is willing to face the two investigations.

If Magdadaro is proven liable, charges of grave misconduct and infidelity in the custody of the prisoner will be filed against him. — (FREEMAN)