Briton raped in Cebu resort

CEBU - In what local officials fear could be a big blow to the local tourism industry, a female British tourist, relaxing in her rented cottage at a beach resort in Daanbantayan town, was attacked and raped by a knife-wielding Filipino male last Sunday.

The woman, who hails from Hong Kong, was due to return home later that day. Instead she ended up going to the police to report her harrowing experience.

The incident alarmed provincial officials who foresee the negative impact the incident will likely have on Cebu's tourism industry.

Police said the victim rented a cottage at Malapascua Beach Resort in Barangay Logon, Daanbantayan town, reportedly owned by a foreigner who is married to a Cebuano.

The victim, who teaches gymnastics in Hong Kong, has been a regular guest at the resort.

The still unidentified rapist slipped into the cottage through an open door, the British woman told police.

She tried to resist but was overpowered and she could not scream for help because of the knife pointed to her neck, she recounted. She said the attacker succeeded in raping her.

An examination by Daanbantayan municipal health officer Merlie Malaga confirmed that the woman had been sexually abused.

The Daanbantayan police have launched a manhunt for the attacker. The provincial police command has sent Chief Inspector Patrocinio Commendador to assist the local police.

Provincial board member Agnes Magpale, head of the committee on tourism, said the incident may affect tourism efforts not just in Daanbantayan but in the whole of Cebu as well. "This may scare female tourists away from our beach resorts," she said.