IN an urgent appeal to the community, Brigadier General Ricardo G. Layug, Jr., the Regional Director of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 10, has voiced deep concern regarding the safety of children, urging heightened vigilance against incidents such as sexual assault and rape.
The call for attention comes in the wake of a disturbing incident in Opol, located in the western part of Misamis Oriental, where a 14-year-old was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 17-year-old suspect.
Police Major Joann Navarro, Regional Spokesperson for PNP 10, disclosed that both the victim and the suspect are relatives, sharing the same residence.
However, the suspect has been apprehended following a warrant of arrest issued on February 26, according to Major Navarro.
Reports indicate that the initial assault occurred in 2020, with a subsequent incident in February 2023. The minor offender, identified as No. 8 at the regional level, ranked sixth at the provincial level, and fourth at the municipal level for the crime of rape, as documented under Criminal Case No. CICL. NO. 438-2024-D, dated February 23, 2024. No bail bond has been recommended against the minor offender.
In a statement, Gen. Layug emphasized the unwavering commitment of the Police Regional Office 10 to ensuring justice for all.
“It is our collective responsibility to stand against such crimes and support the victims in their pursuit of justice,” he asserted, urging prompt reporting of any incidents of sexual abuse, particularly those involving children, to the nearest police station.
Gen. Layug is also urging the community to view this incident as a call to action, emphasizing the critical importance of safeguarding the well-being of children and preventing such atrocities from occurring in the future.
