Kid faces rape charge; PWD arrested for shabu

By Paulo DS. Papa

POLICE authorities in Naga City arrested a 16-year-old male for the crime of rape and a disabled man for using illegal drugs at a local government facility.

Lt. Col. Chester Pomar, spokesperson for the Naga City Police Office, identified the minor as an out-of-school youth from Barangay Bagumbayan Sur. He was arrested last Thursday, June 13, around 4:00 PM when an arrest warrant was served by police officers.

The warrant against the minor, with CICL case number 0006-2024, was issued by Judge Jeaneth C. Gaminde-San Joaquin of the Regional Trial Court, Branch 20, Fifth Judicial Region, on June 10, 2024.

In an interview, Pomar stated that the suspect belongs to the children in conflict with the law (CICL) and, therefore, the court recommended his detention at the Naga City Children’s Home in Barangay Pacol. He noted that a minor can have criminal liabilities depending on the crime committed and the court's disposition, although they cannot be detained in a prison cell with adults.

The court recommended that the CICL post bail amounting to P200,000 for temporary liberty.

Last weekend, at 10:05 AM in the men's restroom of Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum, an agent of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency caught a 43-year-old disabled man from Barangay Calauag using methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu). The man, who is often seen asking for money along Magsaysay Avenue in Barangay Balatas, was identified as a person with a disability (PWD).

Pomar mentioned that the PWD had been involved in theft cases in February 2015, including incidents where a motorcycle helmet and a backpack were stolen. The suspect is currently detained at police station 4, as station 5 does not have a detention cell.

Pomar added that there is no special treatment for PWDs; thus, the suspect is held with regular detainees. The police are awaiting a resolution from the city prosecutor’s office, which will lead the suspect to court to face criminal charges for violating sections 11 and 12 of RA 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, for possession of illegal drugs and paraphernalia.