14 cops tagged in Cavite rape, robbery relieved from posts, 8 arrested

Fourteen police officers who have been tagged in the rape of a teenager and the robbery of her home in Cavite have been relieved from their posts.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on 24 Oras on Tuesday, eight members of the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) in Calamba, Laguna were arrested and had their firearms taken from them. They and six other police officers who remain at large have been accused of the crimes by the 18-year-old victim, who was at home in Cavite when several armed men came and entered her residence. At least one of them also raped her.

The PNP did not provide the suspects' names, but the Cavite Provincial Police Office said that the victim tagged the team leader, a police lieutenant, of being the one who raped her.

"Zero-tolerance policy po tayo. Yun po yung ating paninindigan and justice will be served to the complainant," PNP PDEG acting director Police Brigadier General Elmer Ragay said in a press briefing. 

According to the investigation, it started out as a legitimate buy-bust operation by the cops in Bacoor, Cavite on Saturday. But the target was able to escape, leaving behind his girlfriend.

Instead of leaving, the suspects entered the home and took items including the victim's rings and mobile phone, as well as a motorcycle. One of the suspects then took the victim into a room, where he raped her.

"Of course, dini-deny nila, but then again lalapag na yan sa korte, and it's something they have to answer in open court," Ragay said.

The motorcycle and the phone were recovered from the suspects. Guns and ammunition were also confiscated from them, as well as packets believed to be drugs.

The suspects have been relieved of their posts, as well as their commander, due to command responsibility. Their commander, a police colonel, has not been reporting to work since November 22, days ahead of his scheduled leave from November 25 to 28. 

"It will form part of the complaint, kasi iniwan niya. Hindi siya nagpaalam. Inanticipate niya yung leave niya, umalis nang maaga. It will form part of the admin case," Ragay said. 

Four of the suspects still at large have sent feelers for a possible surrender, the PNP said. — BM, GMA Integrated News