Panabo PNP calls for formal complaints against ‘serial rapists’

DAVAO DEL NORTE, February 18 (PIA) - - Panabo City Police Chief Police Supt. Thor Valiente Cuyos urged the victims of the rumoured serial rapists to come out and lodge a formal complaint at the Police Station.

“We cannot solve the issue of the rapists if no one will file a formal complaint,” PSupt. Cuyos said.

For the past few weeks, the people of Panabo City were swirled by stories spreading in social media sites that a group of rapists, who was purportedly tagged as cult or Toktok Gang, were lurking the villages of the city victimizing women even pregnant and children. According to social media sites, the rapist have ‘motor bearing’ in their genitals.

“We cannot confirm this since there is no document recorded in our office that one has been a victim of such act,” he said.

Jun Gumban, a barangay councillor of Brgy. Gredu, also denied gossips that an eight year old child from their area was raped and died as a victim of this gang.

Cuyos said that since the spread of the rumours, the local police and the barangays are in full alert and have increased it visibility in the barangays.”

Chief Cuyos revealed that through the patrolling of the police, and barangay officials and functionaries, four individuals were apprehended.

“However, these individuals were charged only with trespassing of private property and not with rape since again no one complained about being raped,” Cuyos said.

Cuyos said that the issue on rapist have been bloated and caused panic because of irresponsible use of social media sites.

He warned those who posted pictures of the alleged rapists that they will be held liable by law if the person will pursue a case against them.

“They can be imprisoned for six to 12 years for violating the Cyber Crime Law,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mayor James Gamao said that he already coordinated with the police on this matter and has increased the number of force multipliers to fight against this criminality.

“I told Chief Cuyos to increase the visibility of police personnel in the city,” Mayor Gamao said.

He said that the city has also increased the number of functioning patrol cars in the police station.

He encouraged everyone to stay vigilant and alert on any suspicious activity in their neighbourhood.

“Report immediately any suspicious activity in your village to the police so that it can be acted immediately,” he said.

The hotline of the Panabo Police Station is 09073122991. (PIA11, Michael Uy)