Cop accused of sexual assault in Mariveles, Bataan faces dismissal
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday moved to conduct immediate summary dismissal proceedings against a police officer who was accused of sexually assaulting a 19-year-old woman who was stopped at a checkpoint in Mariveles, Bataan.
The victim is accusing Patrolman Elmer Tuazon Jr. and civilian marshal team leader Armando Dimaculangan of allegedly molesting her.
According to the PNP, criminal complaints of Rape and Acts of Lasciviousness have already been filed against Tuazon Jr., 25; and Dimaculangan, 53.
“Humihingi ako ng paumanhin sa biktima at sa kanyang pamilya dahil sa kanyang sinapit at tinitiyak ko sa inyo na makakamit ninyo ang hustisya dito,” said PNP chief Guillermo Eleazar.
(I apologize to the victim and her family for what had happened and I assure you that you will get justice.)
“Makakatiyak din ng agarang aksyon ang ating mga kababayan laban sa mga tiwali sa aming hanay kaya nakikiusap din ako na huwag sanang lalahatin ang kapulisan dahil iilan lamang ang mga ito at higit na mas nakakarami ang mga pulis na handang tumulong at gumagawa ng tama sa ngalan ng police service,” he added.
(I also assure you that immediate action against corrupt policemen in our ranks will be taken. There are only a few bad cops. There are more policemen who are ready to help and do what is good in the name of police service.)
He then urged the public to file complaints against police officers who are involved in “illicit activities.”
In an earlier statement, Brig. Gen Valeriano de Leon, chief of the Central Luzon Police Regional Office said that Tuazon and Dimaculangan accosted the victim at a quarantine control point in Barangay (village) Batangas II in Mariveles on Friday for alleged violation of quarantine rules.
The victim was then taken to Tuazon’s boarding house where the two suspects allegedly took turns molesting her.
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