Police nab bus operator for rape

SAN PEDRO, Laguna — Police have arrested a provincial bus operator here for allegedly raping his Korean live-in partner thrice, his brother for car theft and seven of his employees for obstruction of justice.

Operatives of the Traffic Management Group (TMG) based at Camp Crame in Quezon City arrested Sunday Olicia, 29, owner of Philcore Bus, right inside the bus terminal at Magsaysay Road, Barangay San Antonio of this town a day before charges of rape (three counts) was filed before the Municipal Trial Court of San Pedro. Olicia’s brother Dominador was also arrested on the same day for car theft, while seven Philcore bus employees, mostly drivers and mechanics, for obstruction of justice (P.D. 1829) by giving false information. Olicia was also charged for trying to rape the sister of his Korean live-in partner.

Based on complaints filed before the San Pedro MTC, the Korean businesswoman was allegedly raped by Olicia on Nov. 28 and Dec. 17 and on April 8, which allegedly happened in this town.

Arrested for violation of P.D. 1829 were Philcore’s mechanics Rolly "Boy" Solita, 22, and Henry Resurrection, 33; drivers Melvin Garil, 30, Nilo Flores, 38 and Cesar Bermundo, 32; and bus conductors Alex Galiet and Jerry Petero, 34. They were all arrested for allegedly giving false information to members of the arresting police teams apprehending the Olicia brothers.

Olicia denied all the charges leveled against him and his brother saying they were just fall guys to the capricious motives of the complainant.

"We were framed up and set up", Olicia told The STAR. He said the charges formed part of a concerted effort to transfer ownership of at least six passenger buses registered in his name to his former Korean live-in partner. — Rene Alviar