Doc’s finding leads to release of rape suspect

BY FELIPE CELINO ROXAS City — A government-run hospital here found a seven-year-old rape victim negative of signs of sexual abuse, leading the authorities to set the suspect free. Now, the family of the victim is crying for justice. Her grandmother, in particular, asked help from the government. The City Prosecutor’s Office here dismissed the rape charges filed against Orlando Labto of Brgy. Bolo for lack of probable cause. This was after a physician at the Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital (RMPH) did not find any sign of sexual abuse in the victim. Labto, who was arrested early this month, was then released from detention. The RMPH doctor’s finding, however, goes in conflict with that of the doctor at the City Health Office who reexamined the victim. Early this month, the girl complained to the police that she was sexually abused by Labto in an abandoned house. The suspect was then arrested. More sacks of charcoal seized BY FELIPE CELINO ROXAS City — Police in Sapian, Capiz apprehended 50 sacks of charcoal loaded in a jeepney at a checkpoint in Brgy. Poblacion. Checkpoint policemen led by Senior Insp. Ramil Eneterso held the vehicle driven by Ronelo del Torre, 40, of Brgy. Maninang, Sapian, after it was found loaded with charcoal. Owners of the seized charcoal were identified as Theresa Ebadino, 52; Eden Villanueva, 50; Dina Gallardo, 48; Nelia Patriarca, 48; Amparo Harion, 65; Virginia Launio, 55; Elizabeth Lagsa, 58; Virginia Lana, 65; Conrada Alayon, 59; and Lita Astros, 60, all of Brgy. Minoro, Mambusao. Police said the items were not issued with pertinent documents for transport from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). They are currently in the custody of the Sapian police station. On Monday evening, the Sapian police apprehended 22 sacks of charcoal at a checkpoint in Brgy. Bilao. The items were loaded in a passenger jeepney driven by Marlon Salarde, 32, also of Brgy. Bilao. They were owned by Mercedes Alayon, 76, and Michael Alayon, 78, both of Sitio Lag-it, Brgy. Bilao, who were also onboard the jeepney. Checkpoint policemen said the owners did not have a permit to transport the charcoal. The seized items will be turned over to the DENR.e against Labto reopened. ‘Oplan Katok’ to account for loose guns ROXAS City — A house-to-house campaign to reach Capiceño gun owners with expired firearms license is ongoing in Capiz as part of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) “Oplan Katok” nationwide campaign. “We started the home visitation last December and will continue until all owners of unlicensed as well as expired-license guns have been reached,” Senior Supt. Domingo Cabillan, provincial police director, said over a radio interview. The Capiz Police Provincial Office (CPPO) is willing to help facilitate expired gun licenses at the PNP national headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City. There are about 3,000 gun owners with expired licenses in Capiz. The figure forms part of the estimated 33,000 number of guns with expired licenses in the region as of August 2012. Unlicensed firearms, considered loose firearms, will be subjected to court action if concerned owners will not respond on the heed to renew their respective guns, Cabillan said. He also clarified that renewal and application for gun license is not hindered by the Commission on Election’s gun ban. The CPPO already has a copy of gun holders in the province with unlicensed firearms as a reference on the house-to-house visitation. (Alex Lumaque, PIA-6 Capiz)