CHARGES for rape and illegal possession of firearms were filed before the City Prosecutor's Office in Bacolod City against the soldier who allegedly abducted and molested the 17-year-old girl with special needs in Purok Saylan, Barangay 4, Bacolod Saturday, December 7.
Police Major Sherlock Gabana, chief of Police Station 2, said Tuesday, December 10, that they filed the charges on December 9 against Deo Balangen, 32, a resident of La Trinidad, Benguet, and temporarily staying in Barangay 4, Bacolod.
Gabana said they filed rape in relation to Republic Act (RA) 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law and RA 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act against Balangen.
On Saturday, December 8, Balangen was arrested after he forcibly grabbed the victim who was walking along Purok Saylan and forced her to go inside the vehicle where she was allegedly molested.
Gabana said some of the bystanders saw the vehicle parked in the area and when they checked, they saw the suspect along with the victim inside the car.
The suspect took his firearms, but fortunately, the police arrived and he was arrested.
Police recovered from Balengen's possession one .9mm caliber with two magazines and ammunition.
The suspect was previously assigned from 94th Infantry Battalion and was transferred to 3rd ID's camp in Amindan, Capiz, but he failed to report there and instead stayed in Bacolod.
Results of the medical examination showed the victim was positive for lacerations.
The suspect was also injured after he was stabbed by the cousin of the victim inside the Police Station 2 on Sunday morning, December 9.
Gabana said the victim's cousin, a female and 24-year-old, went inside the police station and attacked Balangen using a pair of scissors.
He said the victim's cousin, who was detained at the station, was also charged with frustrated murder.
He said the Philippine Army is also conducting a separate investigation for the filing of administrative charges against the suspect, who has been detained at station.