QCPD obtains lead in UP student's sexual assault case

Authorities said they now have a lead on the suspect who sexually assaulted a student inside the University of the Philippines' Diliman campus on July 1.

“Mayroon na tayong tinitignan na mga tao, it's just a matter of confirming ng kanilang identity. Better come forward, surrender,” said Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Police Brigadier General Nicolas Torre III in Darlene Cay’s report on GTV’s “Baitanghali” on Tuesday.

“Nagre-trace tayo nong nilakad nung biktima from C.P. Garcia hanggang dito sa lugar na pinangyarihan. May mga nakita tayong pwedeng mapagkuhanan ng ebidensya like CCTVs at nakapag-interview na rin tayo ng mga guards sa posts,” he said.

Torre added that it is possible that the suspect was caught on at least one CCTV. He noted that the suspect might also be familiar with the area.

Meanwhile, the UP Diliman Police (UPDP) said the campus remains a "safe space" saying the incident can be considered an isolated case.

“Nakasilip ng opportunity kasi, nung time na’yun diyan po sa building na ‘yan, mayroong event kaya merong ingay kaya nagsisisigaw man hindi masyadong narinig ng guard,” said UPDP Shift Commander Jonathan Bantungan.

"I think the UP campus is still a very safe community, mga aberrations' yan eh. This incident is, I consider this incident isolated," Torre noted. 

After the incident, security was intensified by deploying additional personnel and checkpoints in the area while the investigation was ongoing.

On Monday, the victim told the police that she was walking down Ylanan Street towards Commonwealth Avenue at around 11 p.m. on July 1 when the suspect, armed with a blade, approached and pushed her down a wooded area on the side of the road. 

As the victim struggled, the sound of approaching people caused the assailant to flee.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on Monday said this incident must be a wake-up call for the institution to reexamine its policies on security and safety, including its coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other law enforcement agencies. —Sherylin Untalan/ VAL, GMA Integrated News