Napolcom seeks rape charges against cop

A woman filed a formal complaint Tuesday with the National Police Commission (Napolcom) against a Manila Police District officer who allegedly raped her after she lost consciousness during a night out.

The victim, identified only as “Anna,” was accompanied by Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC) president Boy Evangelista when she filed the complaint against Officer Joshua Semilla Mendoza.

Napolcom vice chairperson and executive officer Rafael Vicente Calinisan said Mendoza faces potential charges of grave misconduct and conduct unbecoming of a police officer.

“One of our officers was involved in a rape, which is terrible. We will get to the bottom of it,” Calinisan said during a news conference. “The penalty for this could be suspension, demotion, or dismissal from the police service.”

Calinisan added that Mendoza has since gone absent without official leave (AWOL). Neither Mendoza nor the Manila Police District has released a statement regarding the allegations.

According to the complaint, the victim agreed to meet Mendoza to discuss a personal matter.

The two visited several establishments along Tomas Morato Avenue in Quezon City, accompanied by another officer, a village official, and another woman.

The victim alleged that she lost consciousness after her final drink, which she suspects was laced with a drug.

She reported waking up inside a motel while being sexually assaulted. The assault stopped once she regained consciousness, the complaint stated.

Evangelista said the VACC is providing a volunteer lawyer and will monitor the case until a conviction is reached. He noted that the organization has reviewed CCTV footage that he says strongly supports the victim’s account.

“We will help until we find the hard pieces of evidence for the case build-up,” Evangelista said. “We want to send a very strong message to members of the police force that there will be a certainty of arrest, conviction and dismissal.”