Although it will be just over a week before Rodrigo Duterte formally takes over the Philippine presidency, the impact of his no-nonsense approach to criminality is already being felt as another alleged sexual predator fell this week to law enforcement authorities in Caloocan.
Charged with sexual assault was Jose Norlito Fruto, who was arrested in Caloocan on June 16, 2016 after a young male lodged a complaint against Fruto, police said.
Fruto was charged with Sexual Assault under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, which incoporates expanded provisions on rape and similar offenses under Republic Act 8535, or commonly known as the expanded rape law. An additional charge of resisting arrest was filed against Fruto in relation to the sexual assault complaint.
A warrant of arrest was likewise served on Fruto for resisting arrest during his temporary incarceration.
Fruto had been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation for pretending to be a doctor, together with his assistant.
The two were arrested in 2013 during an entrapment operation at his clinic in Caloocan City. Elena Roque Pascual, a heart patient, had complained that Fruto had misrepresented himself as a cardiac specialist.
If convicted of sexual assault, Fruto faces 20 years to 40 years in prison.
Duterte has promised to eradicate crime in six months with a zero-tolerance approach to law enforcement.
Duterte also wants capital punishment for criminals involved in illegal drugs, gun-for-hire syndicates and those who commit “heinous crimes” such as rape, robbery and carjacking.