Everyone around on social media and the outside world is asking for justice for Christine Dacera, and before this happened, I saw this shared post on my newsfeed about this incident that happened a year ago.
July 2, 2020. Ilocos Sur. A 15-year-old filed a complaint at the Cabugao Police Station against 2 officers for acts of lasciviousness. The teenager requested for a security escort to accompany her but it was denied. On the same day, tragedy strikes for the teenager.
The Victim? Fabel Pineda, 15 years old and was molested by officers of the neighboring town of San Juan, Ilocos Sur.
What Happened?
Fabel and her 18-year-old cousin were arrested on July 1, 2020, for curfew violation and intoxication under the influence of alcohol. PNP Sgt. Randy Ramos and Sgt. Marawi Torda took the advantage of both teenagers as they were sexually assaulted, but both teenagers escaped. The following day (July 2, 2020), Fabel filed a complaint against the officers for acts of lasciviousness. She requested a police escort to accompany her, but it was denied. Fabel was escorted home by her uncle and her male cousin. While en route to their home at Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, they bumped with another motorcycle targeting Fabel and was gunned down 5 times. She was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
The Aftermath?
Both officers were detained. PNP Women's Desk Officer Staff Sgt. Merly Joy Pascua who refused to protect Fabel and both police chiefs of both towns of Cabugao & San Juan were relieved of their duties. Blessie Torres (Fabel's mother), arrived from Kuwait and she will not go back unless justice will be given to the accused.
Fabel was laid to rest on July 22, 2020. It sparked outrage around social media as everyone around shouted justice for Fabel. On September 14, 2020, Sgt. Ramos & Sgt. Torda was dismissed from service as recommended by the PNP Internal Affairs Service since both officers were guilty of conduct unbecoming a police officer, while Staff Sgt. Pascua was transferred to the Ilocos Sur Provincial Police Office. The administrative case has been resolved by the Internal Affairs Service against the two officers as stated by PNP Chief Camilo Cascolan it was fake news.
Fabel took the courage to stand up against the suspects but turned out to be a tragic ending for the 15-year-old.
Sources:
Lead Image from https://www.change.org/p/z-justice-for-fabel-pineda
https://www.rappler.com/nation/fabel-pineda-allegedly-molested-killed-by-cops-buried
https://www.abante.com.ph/babaeng-pulis-sa-fabel-rape-slay-sinibak/
I remember this. It just goes to show how crappy their service is. Not all police though, just to be fair.