MPD to probe cop for detainee's alleged rape

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla has ordered an impartial investigation of one of his policemen for allegedly raping a woman detainee in the MPD headquarters.

Police Officer 3 Antonio Bautista Jr., detailed at the MPD’s intelligence section, has been disarmed and confined to the District Headquarters and Support Unit (DHSU) after a report of the incident reached intelligence chief Superintendent Ernesto Fojas Jr.

The rape allegedly happened on the early morning of Dec. 31 in the office of the MPD’s Integrity Task Force (ITF), where three women were temporarily detained after they were arrested for vagrancy.

Fojas said Bautista broke the glass window of the ITF office to open the locked door and gain entry. He then raped one of the women inmates identified as a certain “Virgie,” 30, a vendor. Bautista also allegedly robbed Virgie of P4,000, according to a complaint lodged by the victim at the Women’s and Children Protection Desk.

Chief Inspector Anita Araullo said the victim’s complaint was logged in a police blotter and it would be formalized once she presents a medical certificate.

Fojas arrested Bautista at his residence, confiscated his service firearm and restricted him to the DHSU office.

Fojas said the victim failed to pursue her complaint, but sent text messages saying she is in Cebu and is planning to file charges before the National Bureau of Investigation.

The two other women detainees who could shed light on the alleged rape are also missing, according to Fojas.

“In the absence of the formal complaint, the MPD will initially conduct administrative proceedings against Bautista. The criminal charges will follow after we obtain the victim’s affidavit of complaint,” said Senior Superintendent Robert Po, chief of the MPD’s District Directorial Staff.

Charges of conduct unbecoming of a police officer and grave misconduct were initially filed against Bautista. He was also charged with destruction of property for breaking the ITF’s window.

Fojas also recommended the preventive suspension of Bautista while the investigation is ongoing.