Marikina traffic aide axed for alleged rape of police volunteer 

MANILA, Philippines — A traffic aide in Marikina City was ordered dismissed by the city government after he allegedly raped a female junior police volunteer inside the Marikina Sports Complex.

Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro on Tuesday ordered  Acting City Administrator Adrian Salvador to terminate the contract of Arren Atanacio of his duties as Traffic Aide 1 and detailed with the Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS).

Atanacio was tagged in the rape of the 23-year-old junior police volunteer at the office of the Junior Police located at the third floor of the Marikina Sports Complex last June 6.

Teodoro said Atanacio was the victim’s trainer at the Junior Police which was created for volunteers who want to help direct and manage traffic flow in the city.

According to the victim, whose name was withheld, Atanacio told her to sleep at the barracks of the sports complex as it was already dangerous to go home that night. Atanacio then allegedly took advantage of her and raped her.

A medico-legal examination conducted by the Eastern Police District-Crime Laboratory found that the victim had lacerations in her genitalia, confirming that she was sexually abused.  According to the Marikina City Police, a complaint for rape has already been filed against Atanacio as the city police is waiting for the issuance of an arrest warrant.

“The local government of Marikina wants to ensure that government employees are not using their position to abuse other people,” Teodoro said in a statement on Atanacio’s case.

“We will not tolerate such acts. I had enough. There are so many complaints against him that’s why I immediately ordered my City Administrator.”  (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)