SK councilor hit with rape charge

BULACAN — A recently elected village councilor or Kagawad at the Sangguniang Kabataan in Malolos, Bulacan, and a minor, were arrested after they, along with two other companions, were accused of gang raping a 16-year old teenager.

Police investigators said the SK official identified only as “Joey” and the victim knew each other through social media.

The two met last July 3 at the house of Joey’s friend.

He said he originally wanted to win the girl by courting but later decided to invite her to a night out that included drinking alcohol with some friends.

However, he claimed that due to the effects of the liquor they did something they were not supposed to do to the victim and insisted this was not rape as alleged.

Joey said he was merely able to touch the victim’s body.

He then asked for forgiveness the next day and even brought the victim home.

“I had a guilty conscience. I asked to be forgiven for what happened,” he said.

A manhunt is still underway for the two other suspects.

Police Superintendent Heryl Bruno, chief of the Malolos City police, said the teenager’s parents are on top of the incident and have cooperated with the police.

The suspect faces charges of violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Another suspect, a minor, will be turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.