THE Mandaue City Investigative Detective Management Unit (CIDMU) has recorded an increase in rape cases in the city this year.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rudolf Oriol, Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) deputy city director for operations and spokesperson, told SunStar Cebu on Tuesday, November 8, 2022, these might have been caused by various factors.

Oriol said among the reasons they are looking into is the fact that rape cases, unlike other heinous crimes, are not easily detected unless someone complains.

“We cannot visibly see these cases because, of course, these are done in private areas such as inside houses,” said Oriol.

He said many of the victims are now more confident to report to police, unlike in the past when they were afraid to do so.

Data from CIDMU showed that from January to October this year, Mandaue had recorded more than 15 rape cases. This is relatively high, as the police recorded only about five rape cases in 2021.

But Oriol said some of the cases both this year and last year were already solved.

Oriol said the MCPO had been strictly monitoring Mandaue City's rape-related concerns and been keen on providing intervention with constant information drives.

On Monday, November 7, the MCPO nabbed a 22-year-old assistant house painter for attempting to rape a woman of legal age.

The suspect was identified as Ruel Nadela Estoy, a resident of Barangay Umapad, Mandaue City. Estoy has been listed as the most wanted person in the city.

Though Oriol did not disclose the victim's relation to the suspect, he said the woman, escorted by her family, went to MCPO to report the crime, which was committed last month.

Estoy was then placed under surveillance for a month. He was issued a warrant and arrested on Monday, November 7.

The suspect is currently detained at the MCPO Station 2 in Barangay Subangdaku and will face charges for attempted rape.

Meanwhile, Oriol urged rape victims to report to the authorities and assured them that their security and identity will be protected. (HIC)