PSG man, three others charged

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District (MPD) filed charges yesterday against a member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) and three male civilians in connection with the alleged rape of a 15-year-old student inside the PSG barracks in Malacañang Sunday night.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla said charges of acts of lasciviousness in relation to anti-child abuse law were filed against Staff Sgt. Walter Candelaria, while anti-trafficking in persons charges were filed against barangay chairmen Angel Murillo and Roel Floro and one “Timmy Wong.”

Murillo and Candelaria were brought before the Manila prosecutor’s office yesterday for inquest proceedings, even as a manhunt was launched against the two other suspects.

In a confrontation yesterday at the office of Chief Inspector Anita Araullo, chief of MPD’s Women and Children Protection Desk, the girl positively identified Candelaria as the one who sexually molested her inside one of the rooms of the old Malacañang Clinic which now houses the PSG barracks.

In her sworn affidavit, the girl said she was having a conversation with a 16-year-old female friend in front of a barangay hall in San Miguel, Manila past 11:30 p.m. when a white Toyota car stopped and Murillo alighted. She said Murillo introduced her to the three passengers Candelaria, Floro and Wong and told her to choose among the three.

“Wag kang mag-alala, sila ang makakatulong sa iyo (Don’t worry. They can help you with your problem), the girl quoted Murillo as telling her.

The girl said Floro and Wong left after bringing her to the PSG barracks and while inside Candelaria turned off the lights and undressed. She said Candelaria started to mash her private parts and when she started to cry and fought back, Candelaria stopped and put on his clothes and led her to the gates of the PSG barracks and left.

The girl said she narrated her ordeal to her godmother, Kagawad Angelica Marzan who reported the incident to the police.

The girl identified Candelaria through the photographs furnished by the PSG command.