A 40-year-old security guard is now behind bars after a serious allegation of sexual assault against a female co-worker, a bar entertainer, in Cebu City. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and led to a citizen's arrest.
Details of the Alleged Assault in Banilad
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 12, at around 6:00 in the morning, inside a bar located in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City. The suspect, identified by the alias "Junior", is a 40-year-old native of Zamboanga City but currently resides in Barangay Basak Pardo. The victim, known by the alias "Rhea", is 32 years old.
According to the police investigation, Rhea stated that she was resting and lying on a sofa in the bar. She was feeling dizzy from drinking with friends earlier. She alleged that Junior suddenly took advantage of her vulnerable state. The victim claimed she was undressed and assaulted by the suspect. Rhea emphasized that due to her intoxication and the physical strength of the man, she did not have the power to resist.
Conflicting Statements from Suspect and Victim
In a stark contrast to the victim's account, the suspect strongly denied the accusation that he forced himself on Rhea. Junior admitted that something did happen between them, but he insisted it was "mutual" and consensual.
The suspect provided his own version of events. He claimed he was only trying to help Rhea lie down on the sofa. However, he alleged that the victim pulled his head towards her chest. Junior confessed that he was "carried away" because he also had feelings for the victim. He added a surprising detail: after the incident, Rhea allegedly asked him for P100 for motorcycle fare home. This, he said, was why he never expected her to file a complaint against him.
Arrest and Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The case took a decisive turn on December 13, the following day. The suspect was caught off guard when he was apprehended through a citizen's arrest. He was subsequently turned over and detained at the Mabolo Police Station.
As of now, the suspect remains in jail. Police authorities are preparing the appropriate formal charges to be filed against him in court. The case continues to develop as investigators piece together the conflicting narratives to establish the truth.
