A JAPANESE female tourist was allegedly raped by a local in Sta. Fe town in Bantayan Island last Wednesday afternoon.

The town policemen arrested Loreto Aljun Espinosa, 21, shortly after the 27-year-old victim sought the help of authorities.

PO2 Jeffrey Barco of Sta. Fe Police Station said the victim was on her way to a tourist spot on board a bicycle when she encountered the suspect in Barangay Ocoy at 2 p.m.

Because she was not familiar with the place, she asked for directions and Espinosa willingly helped. However, the suspect brought her to a different area instead.

Barco said that when the two reached the shore of a coastal area, the suspect reportedly asked the victim to have sex, which the latter turned down.

This allegedly prompted Espinosa to strangle the victim and threatened her.

The suspect allegedly stripped off the victim’s clothes and raped her.

“Nisiyagit siya pero wala’y nakadungog. Gisuklan niya pero lupig man gyud siya (She shouted for help but no one heard her. She fought but was overpowered by her attacker),” Barco said.

Espinosa immediately left the area while the victim went to Sta. Fe Police Station.

During a follow-up operation, the suspect was arrested in Barangay Ocoy and was positively identified by the victim.

“Iya gyud gihimakak ang pasangil ug gitumutumuan ra daw siya (He vehemently denied the accusation and said the victim was only making up a story),” Barco said.

The victim then underwent a medical examination performed by the municipal health officer. The result suggested rape.

A complaint for rape will be filed against Espinosa, who is a third year Criminology student.

Barco said the victim visited Bantayan Island alone for the Holy Week and had been there for only a few days.

She was temporarily staying in Barangay Talisay.

Barco said the Japan consular office already coordinated with them to ensure the welfare of the victim. (DSM/Sun.Star Cebu)