Manila village chiefs: Politics behind PSG rape claim

MANILA, Philippines - At least 30 barangay chairpersons from Manila’s sixth district went to the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters yesterday to express their support for a colleague linked to the alleged rape that occurred in the Presidential Security Group (PSG) barracks in Malacañang Sunday night.

A 15-year-old student is accusing Barangay 637 Zone 65 chairman Angel Murillo of “selling” her to three men, including Staff Sgt. Walter Candelaria, who she also accused of molesting her in the PSG barracks.

The MPD filed charges of acts of lasciviousness against Candelaria, while Murillo; another barangay chairman, Roel Floro; and civilian Timmy Wu were charged with human trafficking. Floro and Wu are at large.

 “The accusations are politically motivated. The girl was coaxed by Murillo’s political rival to implicate him. We do not believe that Murillo could do such thing (pimping the girl),” one of the barangay chairmen who requested anonymity told The STAR in Filipino.

The girl said she was talking with a female friend in front of the barangay hall in San Miguel at past 11:30 p.m. Sunday when a car stopped in front of them. Murillo reportedly alighted and told her to choose among Candelaria, Floro and Wu, saying they could help solve her problem, according to the girl.

She said Candelaria took her to one of the rooms at the old Malacañang clinic, where he reportedly molested her but stopped as she cried and fought back. The girl said Candelaria accompanied her to the gates of the PSG barracks and left.

Candelaria and Murillo said they will only speak before the proper forum.

MPD women and children protection desk head Chief Inspector Anita Araullo said it is up to the fiscal whether Murillo and Candelaria can post bail.

The girl is in the custody of city social welfare personnel for stress debriefing, according to Araullo.