Isabela mayor charged with rape

ILAGAN CITY, Philippines – A woman and her daughter have filed rape charges against a municipal mayor of Isabela province before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The case against Mayor Lawrencio Zuñiga of Cordon town will be raffled off this week, a DOJ official told The STAR.

The victims have sought legal assistance and security from Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III. They said other rape victims are also considering filing charges against the mayor.

Zuñiga could not be reached for comment.

Last year, two men on a motorcycle lobbed a grenade at Zuñiga’s house, destroying its façade and three vehicles parked nearby.

Zuñiga did not pursue the investigation into the grenade blast, saying he is leaving the matter to God.

Police refused to comment if the incident could be linked to the accusations against the mayor.