Commission on Human Rights (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has launched its motu proprio investigation of the alleged rape of an 18-year-old student by two cops in Bacoor, Cavite.
In a statement, the CHR also acknowledged the rape and administrative charges filed against Master Sgt. Rey Pogoso and Cpl. Bryan Balajay.
Pagoso and Balajay, both of the Imus’ Police Community Precinct 1, were accused of raping the student when her boyfriend left the apartment to buy more drinks for their drinking session.
Both are now under police custody after undergoing inquest proceedings last March 22.
Hold fully accountable
If the charges are proven true, the CHR said, “they must be held fully accountable for their actions in accordance with the rule of law.”
“Rape is a heinous crime that inflicts physical, psychological and emotional harm to victims. When alleged perpetrators are law enforcement officers, it consequently undermines the very institution sworn to protect and serve the community,” it said in a statement.
The CHR also called on the national government to “take appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents from happening again and hold firmly liable those who commit such atrocious crimes.”