‘Molested’ employee reports Sampaloc councilor

A 78-year-old barangay councilor in Sampaloc, Manila, is facing charges for allegedly molesting his 28-year old female employee.

“Anne,” went to the Manila Police District’s women and children’s desk on Saturday to file a complaint against Rito Mariaca, a councilor of Barangay 539, District 4, and a hardware store owner.

The complainant alleged that Mariaca molested her at least 11 times in a span of 10 days since she was hired as a saleslady at the store on Oct. 27.

On her first day at work, he kissed her in the lips, she alleged.

There were also times when Mariaca allegedly called her to his room, asking her to serve him wine.

She resigned from her work Friday after Mariaca again hugged her and touched her private parts, she said.

According to Anne, another ranking barangay official discouraged her from going to the police and instead suggested that the matter be settled amicably.

The complaint was assigned for investigation to PO3 Marlyn Remetio, who said Mariaca could face charges for multiple counts of acts of lasciviousness.

The alleged victim is a mother of two whose family is in the province.