Murder charge filed vs 2 cops in slay of girl, 15

SAN JUAN, Ilocos Sur — Murder charges were filed against two police officers tagged in the killing of a 15-year-old girl in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur who were arrested Monday.

S/Sgts. Marawi Torda and Dante Ramos of the San Juan, Ilocos Norte  police station were respondents in the complaints filed by the victim and her 18-year-old cousin for acts of lasciviousness and rape, respectively, on July 2, according to Cabugao police chief Capt. Ramil Llarenas.

The victim was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men shortly after she and her cousin filed their complaints on July 4.

The victim and her cousin were reportedly earlier accosted by the suspects during a party in San Juan for alleged violation of quarantine protocols on July 1.

Raquedan said the two police officers offered to accompany the victims on their way home.

The family of Pineda now wants the PNP to also sanction Cabugao police women’s desk officer PSSG Merly Joy Pascua, the lady cop tasked to assist rape victims but denied Pineda’s request for a police escort.

Pascua allegedly arrogantly told them, “Ano gusto niyo, babantayan na lang namin kayo?”                   

On their way home from Cabugao police station, Torda and Ramos allegedly shot and killed Pineda.

Capt. Benjamin Raquedan, San Juan police chief, said the two police officers were relieved from their posts and brought to the custodial center of the provincial police office to face investigation.   

According to the statement issued by the PNP, llocos Sur police filed murder charges against Ramos and Torda for Pineda’s death on Jul. 3. At press time, the two were reportedly under restrictive custody at the Ilocos Sur Police Provincial Office in Bantay town.

They  can’t leave the office unless accompanied by another officer or guard while awaiting further disposition by the court. 

In a statement, PNP Chief General Archie Gamboa said he wants the “stiffest penalty” against the officers and referred to them as “not men in uniform but animals who deserve to be jailed for life. They have no mercy, no hearts, they are police who are worthless.” 

The statement also said Gamboa ordered the Police Regional Office 1 chief to provide security to Pineda’s 18-year-old cousin who also filed charges against Ramos.

The PNP chief said that he wants to make sure that all PNP prosecution witnesses are available in court proceedings to expedite the murder trial while conducting the summary administrative procedures.

On Jul. 4, the National Police Commission Regional Office No. 1 issued a statement condemning the killing of Pineda and mentioned that they are conducting a separate investigation, however, their statement did not mention the sexual assault.

The Napolcom Regional Office No. 1 said they will continue to maintain a policy of impartiality and due process to keep the PNP in check throughout this investigation.

On Jul. 6, Ilocos Sur Gov. Ryan Singson said that he also wanted the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct a separate investigation into Pineda’s murder.

“I want the [NBI] to investigate the case despite the police doing their investigation to have a fair investigation. To the family of the victim, I assure you that we are fully supporting you as we will all seek justice,” Singson said.

Pineda’s relatives who accompanied her to the station were reported to be unharmed, thus, leaving many to speculate that the assailants targeted her right after she filed charges. This has driven several people to see her case as an act of silencing a victim of sexual assault. 

As a call for justice, netizens including some of Pineda’s friends and classmates denounced her murder.

Along with #JusticeforFabel, many demanded accountability until her murderers are punished.  – With a report from Raymund Catindig