COMPOSTELA, Davao de Oro — An incumbent barangay captain in Compostela, Davao de Oro is facing a rape complaint filed by a 17-year-old senior high school student, with the case now undergoing preliminary investigation before the provincial prosecutor’s office.
The respondent, identified in reports only as “Chairman Juan” to protect his identity while the complaint remains under investigation, is accused of rape by the minor complainant, who reportedly lives in the same area as the barangay official.
According to information on the case, the complainant has submitted evidence in support of the allegations. After the complaint and accompanying documents were found sufficient to proceed with the preliminary investigation, the case was certified by Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Atty. Cayetano on July 16, 2026.
The certification allowed the complaint to move forward in the prosecutorial process, where the allegations and evidence presented by the complainant will be evaluated alongside the respondent’s defense.
The barangay captain has already received a subpoena directing him to submit his counter-affidavit and supporting documents in response to the complaint.
However, the respondent’s legal counsel reportedly requested an extension to allow the defense more time to prepare and submit its response.
The extension is part of the respondent’s opportunity to answer the allegations and present evidence in his defense as the preliminary investigation continues.
Case remains under investigation
The filing and advancement of the complaint do not constitute a finding that the barangay captain is guilty of rape.
A preliminary investigation is a process through which prosecutors determine whether there is sufficient basis to proceed with a criminal case in court. The respondent is entitled to due process and the opportunity to answer the allegations before any determination of criminal liability is made.
The identity of the complainant has not been disclosed because she is a 17-year-old minor. Her identity and other information that could directly or indirectly identify her should be protected in accordance with laws and rules safeguarding children and alleged victims of sexual offenses.
The case also places the incumbent barangay official in a potentially serious legal and political situation as he faces allegations involving a minor while serving as a local government official.
For now, the complaint remains an allegation, and the respondent is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The next steps in the proceedings will depend on the submission of the respondent’s counter-affidavit and supporting documents, as well as the prosecutor’s subsequent evaluation of the evidence and arguments presented by both sides.