By Jennifer P. Rendon
He just wanted to be happy. But at the expense of others.
A tricycle driver was arrested three hours after he allegedly tried to sexually molest a call center agent.
John Florence Ba-at, 23, of Poblacion, Banate, Iloilo but presently residing at Zone 3, Brgy., Boulevard, Molo, Iloilo City, was caught while hiding at a vegetated portion in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.
Ba-at was positively identified as the same person who allegedly abducted and sexually harassed a 25-year-old call center agent.
According to reports, Jam (real name withheld) hailed a tricycle around 9:30 p.m. of October 7 at Avanceña Street in Molo, Iloilo City.
She asked the driver to bring her to her office at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district.
When they reached the intersection of R. Mapa Street, Mandurriao, the driver told Jam that he will pee.
When he went back to the tricycle, she gave her fare. But the suspect claimed that her ride is for free.
She insisted on paying but the tricycle driver alighted and poked a bladed weapon at her neck.
He was quoted to have said, “Pana-og di. Gwa di. Indi magsinggit! (Come down. Get out here. Don’t shout).”
Jam claimed that she begged the suspect to let her go in exchange for her belongings.
But the suspect did not take the bait and again told her to get off the tricycle.
When she alighted, the suspect immediately hugged her, slipped his hand on her left breast, and fondled her, all these while still holding on to his knife.
He led her to a secluded area and whispered, “Gusto ko lang magpakasadya subong nga gab-i. Lipaya lang ko (I want to be happy tonight. Just make me happy),” while kissing her.
It was at this juncture that the victim screamed for help and struggled.
Because of her resistance, they both fell to the ground.
Jam took the chance to flee after seeing a security guard and police officer approaching the area.
The suspect then ran, leaving behind his tricycle.
Police in the area and security personnel began looking for him until he was caught three hours later.
Jam positively identified Ba-at as the man who abducted and molested her.
The suspect is now detained and will be charged for forcible abduction and acts of lasciviousness.
