Abduction, rape suspect charged

CEBU, Philippines - Criminal complaints for abduction and rape in relation to Republic Act 7610 or child abuse were respectively filed yesterday against Frederick Benedict Go, the third suspect arrested for the abduction and rape of a 16-year-old college student in Naga City.

Go was charged with abduction before the Naga City Prosecutor’s Office and a separate case for rape in relation to child abuse was filed before the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office.

Upon inquest, Go manifested to answer the allegations filed against him and executed a waiver of detention both in Naga City and Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office.

Regional Anti-human Trafficking Task Force (RATTF) Chief Senior Inspector Ma. Theresa Macatangay told The Freeman that Go was given ten days to file his counter-affidavit.

Go was arrested last Tuesday by RATTF operatives at an eatery in San Antonio Village, Tabada Extension, Barangay Mambaling, Cebu City after he was positively identified by the victim who managed to escape her abductors last Wednesday.

The victim, name withheld by The Freeman for being a minor, identified Go based on the photo found in the place where she was allegedly brought by the suspect.

The victim was reportedly abducted near a mall in barangay West Poblacion, Naga City and then brought to a motel in Talisay City, where she was allegedly raped.

Meanwhile, Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Director, Chief. Supt. Marcelo Garbo Jr. said that almost all crimes are involved with illegal drugs.

Based on information gathered by the police, the suspects who abducted the 16-year-old girl in Naga City are involved in the illegal drugs trade.

With this, the PRO-7 together with other concerned agencies, is creating a Multi-Sectoral Action Group which will be headed by the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“We are pushing for the creation of this action group which will take charge of any illegal drugs activities or operations,” Garbo said.

Garbo said that illegal drugs operation is not the primary mandate of the PNP but of the PDEA.

The Regional Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group already has the plan which will be discussed soon together with the PDEA and other concerned agencies. (FREEMAN)