Manhunt on vs suspects in girl’s rape, kidnapping

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Police Office is bent on tracking the suspects in the alleged rape and abduction of a 19-year-old college student in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City last July 10.

CCPO Director Gemma Vinluan told reporters the headquarters will support the hunt fully.

“We will secure the warrant of arrest, and we will fund the hunting. Subukan nila na mang-rape ngayon, at hahanapin ko sila, ipapasara ko ang Cebu City para makita sila. Hindi tayo naglolokohan dito,” she said.

Police Staff Sergeant Jade Omayao of the Mabolo Women’s and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) told The FREEMAN that the girl was walking along Governor Cuenco Avenue when two men pulled her into a van and covered her eyes and mouth.

The suspects allegedly raped the girl inside the vehicle and allegedly kept her for an hour before bringing her back to the same spot where they abducted her. The suspects allegedly threatened to kill the girl if she reports the incident to the police.

But two days later, the girl went to the Talamban Police Station and sought for help.

The Talamban police referred the matter to the Mabolo Police Station that has jurisdiction over the alleged crime.

Omayao said the girl was made to undergo medical examination, the result of which is now with the police.

Mabolo Police chief Dexter Basirgo said they will have to look for witnesses because the closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras near the alleged abduction site are not functional.

“We encourage the public to come to us for additional information kay mismo ang biktima wala naka-describe sa iyang attackers (We encourage the public to come to us for additional information because the victim herself could not describe her attackers),” he said.

WCPD chief, Colonel Erlinda Mayam, advised girls and women to be extra cautious and try not to walk alone. — JMO (FREEMAN)