Rob suspect arrested moments before escape

CEBU, Philippines – A man accused of raping his neighbor in Medellin town was arrested just moments before his attempted escape.

Senior Police Officer 1 Ryan Castro said the suspect, 26, was already packing his clothes when officers of the Medellin Police Station arrived at his house in Barangay Lamitak Norte on Sunday and arrested him.

They also recovered the ice pick the suspect allegedly used to threaten the victim, as well as the mobile phone and P3,200 cash he took from her. The victim is 46 years old.

The Freeman is withholding the names of both the victim and suspect owing to the sensitive nature of the case.

Castro said it was on early morning on the same day when the suspect went to the victim’s house to borrow money but the victim reportedly refused to lend him some.

At past 1 p.m., the suspect went back to the victim’s house and pointed an ice pick at her as he demanded for the money.

“Ang suspek, buntag nianha sa balay sa biktima kay manghuwam og kwarta. Ala-1:45 nibalik nituktok sa balay nangayog ayo, pagkahuman, ang biktima nagtan-aw og TV sa ilang balay. Pag-abli, gitionan og ice pick,” Castro said.

Out of fear, the victim handed the money but the suspect reportedly was not contented and allegedly raped her.

“Ang suspek nangita og kwarta, gitagaan og kwarta. Ambot og unsay nasulod sa huna-huna, giapil og hilabot,” Castro said.

The victim eventually managed to escape and ran out of the house to a grassy area where she shouted for help.

The suspect also ran away to his house where PO1 Bernard Parilla and PO1 Christopher Demiar caught up with him and arrested him.

Castro said the victim suffered injuries but it will be determined if these were inflicted by the suspect or something she sustained while trying to escape.

The Women’s and Protection Desk in-charge of the police station had escorted the victim to the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center in Cebu City for examination. Results of the medical test may be used to support the case the police will file against the suspect.

The suspect is facing robbery charges but may also face rape charges if results of the medical examination on the victim warrant. – /JMO (FREEMAN)