MANILA — A patrolman of the Manila Police District (MPD) is under investigation following accusations that he raped a 27‑year‑old woman in Sampaloc, Manila, on December 4, 2025. The victim, who sought help from the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), said she passed out after drinking at a bar and later awoke inside a motel where the officer was allegedly assaulting her.

CCTV footage obtained by investigators reportedly shows the suspect carrying an unconscious woman into the motel around 6 a.m. The victim recounted: “Nung nagising ako nakadiin siya sa kamay ko. Parang nagkaroon ako ng pasa dito. Pinipilit kong lumaban pero hindi ako makalaban kasi nanghihina ako ng oras na yun.” 

She said she immediately left the motel after regaining consciousness, fearing for her safety. “Nung mga oras na yun natakot ako. Iniisip ko kung maghi-hysterical ako at magwawala ako, pwedeng may gawin siyang masama sa akin. Pwede niyang iputok ang baril,” she added.

The suspect’s lawyer has denied the allegations, insisting that the encounter was consensual. “There was a mutual understanding between the two,” the counsel said, arguing that the victim’s claims were exaggerated.

The Manila Police District confirmed that aside from the rape complaint, the officer is also facing a separate administrative case. MPD officials stressed that internal disciplinary proceedings are underway and reiterated that the force does not tolerate misconduct among its ranks.

The case has reignited public concern over police accountability, especially following other high‑profile incidents of alleged abuse involving law enforcers. In September 2025, the National Police Commission (Napolcom) filed administrative charges against several officers linked to bribery, rape, and misconduct. Advocacy groups argue that such cases highlight systemic issues within the police force and the urgent need for reforms to protect citizens, particularly women.

As investigations continue, the victim’s testimony and the CCTV evidence will be crucial in determining the outcome of the case. For now, the MPD’s acknowledgment that the officer faces both criminal and administrative charges underscores the seriousness of the allegations and the demand for justice.

Unconscious Is Not Consent. A Badge Makes It Worse.

Consent is not silence. It is not confusion. It is not fear. And it is never unconsciousness.

When CCTV shows a woman being carried while passed out, there is no debate to be had. Consent requires awareness, clarity, and the freedom to refuse. An unconscious person cannot agree to anything. Period.

The burden grows heavier when the suspect is a police officer. A badge carries power. A gun carries fear. Authority silences resistance even when a victim is awake. When the victim believes fighting back could get her shot, consent is impossible.

The Philippines has a dangerously low understanding of consent, especially when power enters the room. Drinking is not permission. Silence is not approval. Authority is not entitlement.

If we cannot say this plainly, how can we ever claim to protect women from those sworn to protect them?

Image from John Consulta