Police official belies report that detainee was raped

CEBU, Philippines - The chief of Olango Island Police Station in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu has dismissed rumors circulated through a text message that their female detainee was raped inside the station.

Senior Inspector Jaime Tolentino, who heads Olango Island Police Station, said he was at the station at the time the 22-year-old woman was arrested on December 30, 2015 and there was no rape that purportedly happened.

“Di ko motoo nga naa’y rape nahitabo kay duty ko; among Womens (Women and Children protection Desk) naa sad. Di nako ibaylo akong takusan sa kaldero anang bayhana,” he said.

Police arrested the woman after she was reported for being rowdy during a disco at a basketball court in Olango at past 1 a.m. on December 30.

The already drunk woman allegedly broke bottles of alcoholic beverages, and thus was arrested by responding police officers.

At the police station, she allegedly exhibited signs of drunkenness and was brought to a hospital where she tested positive of liquor.

Tolentino, shocked of the said text message he just learned from the media, clarified that when the arrest was made, he and all personnel of the station including the WCPD were present.

He said he was able to interview the woman and during their conversation, she allegedly admitted to using illegal drugs and was advised by her friends to act as if she was insane so that the police will release her.

On the afternoon of December 31, the woman allegedly rolled on the floor inside the detention cell after the faucet inside leaked, said desk officer Senior Police Officer 2 Jose Daño.

Yesterday morning, a radio reporter had to walk away from the interview after the woman undressed in front of the reporter, said Daño.

Tolentino believed that the text message was authored by the woman’s friend who dictated her to act as if she was insane.

The station chief said they will find the person responsible for the text message and will file appropriate charges against him or her for causing embarrassment to Olango Island police.

Tolentino said he has also informed Lapu-Lapu City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Armando Radoc about the matter, adding that he welcomes any investigation in connection with the accusation.  (FREEMAN)