Cop charged with rape may also face libel

CEBU, Philippines - The police officer who allegedly raped a 17-year-old college student several times will be facing a libel complaint after he claimed that it was the older brother of the victim who raped her.

Police Officer 3 Alexander Juaton, of the Regional Personnel and Human Resources Develop-ment Division of the Police Regional Office-7, is facing five counts of qualified rape before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office last Thursday.

The victim’s legal counsel, lawyer Juril Patiño, said Juaton’s remark was an added insult to the victim and her family.

“Ang bata gani, sige na lang og hilak kay ngano nga sige siya’g pamakak sa iya’ng gihimo,” said Patiño.

Juaton had denied the rape allegations and alleged that it was the victim’s older brother, whom he described as a drug addict, who sexually abused her.

Patiño said Juaton’s claim is incriminating and he needs to prove the allegation, adding that the brother said he could never do such thing to his sister.

“What he should have done is to directly answer the allegation and not to point out somebody as the one who did the crime,” said Patiño.

Because of Juaton’s remark, Patiño said the victim’s family is willing to file a libel complaint against the police officer.

“And in fact, I am preparing for the complaint na ani,” he said.

Patiño said they will ask for an affidavit from the older brother to support the libel complaint that will be filed against Juaton.

“Actually, wala man gyud gani diha ang igsuon at that time,” he said.

Patiño yesterday submitted a letter to police regional director, Chief Superintendent Prudencio Tom Bañas, requesting the PRO-7 leadership to disarm Juaton of his service firearm while investigation is ongoing after the accused allegedly threatened the victim and her family.

Patiño said although it is Bañas’ decision whether to grant their request, he at least they formally filed the complaint.

“Especially nga duna gyu’y presence sa threat ngadto sa family,” said Patiño.

The letter also included request for Juaton’s relief from his post and preventive suspension so as not to influence the ongoing investigation. — Ma. Fatima R. Secuya/ATO (FREEMAN)