By Felipe V Celino
ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The police on Wednesday morning, March 13, brought forward inquest proceedings against a 21-year-old tricycle driver for the alleged rape, attempted homicide, and theft of a 26-year-old call center agent in the early hours of Saturday in a village in Ivisan, Capiz.
Police Major Ruby Magallanes, the Ivisan police chief, confirmed that charges were lodged with the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against the man, known by the alias “Dodoy,” originally from Brgy. Talon, Roxas City, but currently residing in Ivisan.
The arrest occurred a few hours after the crime following the rapid tracing of the suspect’s location via the GPS in the victim’s stolen cellphone.
The police report revealed that the victim, referred to as “Nene,” was picked up by her boyfriend after her shift in Roxas City.
Due to the challenging terrain leading to Nene’s home, which was approximately 100 meters from where she was dropped off, her boyfriend was unable to accompany her further.
As she was walking home, an assailant emerged from the shadows and struck her on the head with a rock. The suspect then dragged Nene to a secluded, grassy area where the alleged sexual assault occurred.
After the assault, the suspect is said to have stolen the victim’s wallet and iPhone before fleeing, leaving her because he believed she was deceased.
Despite her injuries, Nene managed to reach her home and sought help from her brother, who immediately took her to a hospital in Roxas City for medical treatment.
Magallanes disclosed that the suspect had pawned the stolen cellphone in Ivisan. The phone played a crucial role in tracking down the assailant, leading to his capture by the police.
The accused is now being held at the Ivisan Police Station awaiting further legal proceedings.
