Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 3) — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) Region IV-A has launched on its own initiative an investigation into the alleged rape of an 18-year-old student by two police officers in Bacoor, Cavite last March 19.
“The Commission regards rape allegations and other reports of sexual assault with utmost gravity and sensitivity,” a CHR statement dated April 3 read. “If the charges against the two suspected cops are proven to be true, they must be held fully accountable for their actions in accordance with the rule of law.”
Charges of rape and an administrative case for grave misconduct were filed against Master Sergeant Rey Pogoso and Corporal Bryan Balajay at the Police Community Precinct 1 in Imus, Cavite.
Their issued firearms and PNP identification cards were also confiscated.
According to the Cavite Police Provincial Office, the victim, her boyfriend, the two police and three others were having a drinking session in her apartment. The two police allegedly raped the victim when her boyfriend left the apartment to buy more drinks.
Pogoso and Balajay, who were part of the Imus Police Station, are currently under police custody and underwent inquest proceedings last March 22.
The two policemen were also relieved from their unit to give way to the investigation and if found guilty, they will be dismissed from their position, Police Brigadier General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Calabarzon police regional director, said last March 23.
