POLICE operatives have arrested four students involved in an alleged "gang-rape" of a 23-year-old tourism management student of Southern Philippines College (SPC) in Julio-Pacana Streets, Cagayan de Oro City, on Tuesday, August 6.
Suspects were identified as Jemboy Tonacao, 21, native of Manticao, Misamis Oriental but temporarily renting a room in Julio-Pacana Streets, this city; Junel Pabingwit, 24, resident of Sto.Nino, Lapasan; and Clint Caballero, 18, resident of Xavier Heights, this city and Jason Veter.
One of the arrested suspects was a minor while Veter remains at-large.
Initial investigation disclosed that Caballero invited the victim, through their group chat on Facebook, for a birthday get-together of Tonacao at the latter's boarding house.
Police said the suspects, who were all schoolmates of the victim, were already inside and having a drinking session when the victim arrived around 5:00 p.m.
The victim reportedly took several shots of the intoxicating liquor and got drunk. She later wondered that the boys went out after she got out from the toilet.
Police said the victim decided to take a sleep before going home. Around 7:00 p.m., she was awakened after someone suddenly covered her face with a blanket.
The victim reported that she saw Caballero taking a video while Tonacao and Veter allegedly took turns in raping her, while the other suspects served as look out.
Investigators said the victim fell asleep again and sought for help when she woke up.
The arrested suspects are now detained and will likely face rape charges.
"There are six suspects conspiring and mutually helping one another. Three of them were arrested while the rest are still at large," said Major Evan Vinas, spokesperson of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office.