Employee of DPWH ‘molests’ neighbor

POLICE arrested an employee of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for allegedly trying to rape his neighbor in Barangay Consolacion, Dalaguete, Cebu last Saturday night.

PO3 Noeh Rosales of Dalaguete Police Station told Sun.Star Cebu that the incident happened past 7 p.m. while Melody, 21, was sleeping.

The law prohibits Sun.Star from mentioning the real names of the suspect and his alleged victim.

Melody woke up to see James, 23, already lying on top of her. The suspect tried to undress her but she fought back and pushed him away.

The victim ran outside and sought the help of her neighbors and police. Her live-in partner was at work when the incident happened.

Rosales, one of the responding policemen, caught James in his house.

When interrogated, James denied the accusation, saying he was wrongfully accused.

“He didn’t admit it. He kept saying the victim was incriminating him to a crime he didn’t commit,” Rosales said in Cebuano.

The suspect said he was accused before of being involved in a shooting incident involving Melody’s uncle.

“But he was identified by the woman. We had to take him into custody,” Rosales said.

A complaint for violating Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 is being prepared against James.