Bacoor: The victim of an alleged rape and robbery incident in Bacoor, Cavite has taken legal action by filing administrative complaints against 14 police officers involved, with the case being brought before the National Police Commission (Napolcom) on Tuesday. The 18-year-old victim, referred to as 'Nena,' along with her cousin 'Stephen,' a 25-year-old factory worker, and his partner 'Dona,' aged 22, took the step to seek justice for the alleged crimes.
According to Philippines News Agency, the complaints were officially presented at a press briefing held at the Napolcom main office in Quezon City. During the briefing, Napolcom Vice Chairperson and Executive Officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan identified the team leader, Lt. Ram Rojun Pastor Maristela, as the officer accused of raping the victim. Nena stated that she was not the target of the police operation; rather, it was her boyfriend, whom the police accused of being involved in the drug trade.
Calinisan strongly condemned the actions of Maristela, labeling them as 'reprehensible, unacceptable, and a betrayal of public trust.' He asserted that there is no place for such acts within the Philippine National Police (PNP) and vowed to put an end to the misconduct, stating, "There is no room for rape, there is no room for theft within the PNP. We will end these happy days of this Lt. Maristela, your happy days are over."
He further emphasized Napolcom's commitment to ensuring accountability and maintaining the standards expected of police officers. The commission also acknowledged the prompt response of the Bacoor City Police, Regional Intelligence Division, Regional Headquarters Support Unit, and Regional Mobile Force Battalion. Their coordinated operation resulted in the arrest of eight of the 14 officers and the recovery of stolen items.
"The public deserves a police force they can trust. And we will not allow the actions of a few to tarnish the dedication of the many good, honest, and hardworking police officers," Calinisan stated. Bacoor City police chief Lt. Col. Alexie Desamito reported that the eight officers, including the team leader, were apprehended last Sunday at the DEG SOU 4A's office in Calamba City.
