By Roy Tomandao
Kampo Heneral Paciano Rizal – A municipal councilor of Santa Cruz, Laguna was arrested after voluntarily surrendering to the Pila Police Station on May 31.
Police Colonel Randy Glenn G Silvio, Acting Provincial Director, Laguna Police Provincial Office, identified the accused as Mark Anthony P. Joven, a resident of Santa Cruz.
According to Police Major Abelardo D. Jarabejo III, Chief of Pila Municipal Police Station, Joven deliberately went to their office at 10 am on May 31 to surrender after three charges of rape were filed against him on the Philippine National Police E-Warrant System.
The Warrant Personnel immediately checked the warrant for Joven in the system and it turned out positive. The station staff immediately arrested the councilor and informed him of his rights.
It was learned that Joven has 3 cases of sexual assault and rape. The warrant for his arrest was issued and signed by Hon. Mary Grace S Bonsol-Cabal, Acting Presiding Judge of Regional Trial Court Branch 27, Santa Cruz, Laguna, without corresponding bail.
According to PCol. Silvio’s statement, “Laguna PNP will continue to intensify the campaign against people who abuse the dignity and weakness of women, especially young people.”
“Justice will be given to the victims and criminals will be put in jail. The leadership of the Laguna PNP continues to plead with the citizens of Laguna to help report those who do wrong or abuse them so that justice will be served to them,” he added.