GENERAL SANTOS CITY — An active-duty Police Staff Sergeant assigned to the General Santos City Police Office (GSCPO) has been relieved from his post, disarmed, and placed under restrictive custody following an internal investigation that found a rape complaint filed against him involving a 13-year-old girl to be positive.
The complaint was lodged by the victim’s parents after the alleged incident, which reportedly occurred last week. The development underscores the police organization’s responsibility to address allegations of sexual abuse involving its own personnel, particularly when the alleged victim is a minor.
Atty. Richard Opinion, chief of the General Santos City Internal Affairs Service (IAS), confirmed that the complaint against the police officer yielded a positive finding following the investigation conducted by his office.
The investigation was initiated after the parents of the 13-year-old victim formally reported the alleged rape, prompting the IAS to examine the accusations against the officer.
Police officer relieved, disarmed, and placed under restrictive custody
Meanwhile, PMaj. Robert Fores of the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO12) Regional Public Information Office said Regional Director PBGen. Allan B. Manibog ordered the immediate relief of the respondent from his assignment and his placement under restrictive custody.
Under restrictive custody, the police officer remains inside the police camp under close supervision and monitoring. He is not allowed to leave the premises without an authorized escort.
Authorities also disarmed the respondent and removed him from his position as part of the administrative measures taken while the investigation proceeds.
PRO12 said the measures are intended to ensure accountability and prevent the respondent from continuing to exercise his official functions while facing the serious allegations.
Internal investigation continues
Despite the positive findings reported by the IAS, the investigation remains ongoing. PRO12 said it is prepared to cooperate fully with the General Santos City Internal Affairs Service and respect the findings and decisions that may result from the investigation.
The case places renewed attention on the need for accountability within law enforcement institutions, particularly in cases involving alleged offenses against children.
The fact that the respondent is a police officer does not exempt him from the legal process. Any determination of criminal liability, however, must still be established through the appropriate judicial proceedings.
PRO12 urges public not to generalize misconduct
Fores also cited another police officer previously implicated in a rape case who is now reportedly detained at the Lanton Reformatory Center, demonstrating that police personnel can also face imprisonment for criminal offenses.
He appealed to the public to maintain its confidence in the police institution and avoid judging the entire organization based on the alleged misconduct of one member.
However, the case involving the 13-year-old girl highlights the importance of ensuring that allegations against police personnel are investigated independently, thoroughly, and transparently.
Public trust in law enforcement depends not only on the organization’s commitment to protecting communities but also on its willingness to hold its own members accountable when they are accused of violating the law.
The respondent’s administrative status and the positive IAS findings do not, by themselves, constitute a final judicial determination of guilt. The criminal aspect of the case must proceed through the proper legal process, with the rights of both the complainant and the respondent observed.