Valenzuela City Mayor Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian said Monday, Sept. 5, that he will personally monitor the case of the police officer who was arrested for allegedly raping the nine-year-old daughter of his live-in partner on Saturday, Sept. 3.
"Personal kong tutukan ang kasong ito, at alam po natin ang ending para kay PCpl. Reynold Aggabao Panao. This will serve as an example na kung kayo po ay naglilingkod dito sa aming lugar at nagsusuot ng uniporme ng kapulisan, dapat maging magandang halimbawa kayo sa amin hindi lang po sa mamamayan ng Valenzuela kundi po sa buong Pilipinas o kung saan man kayo ma-assign (I will personally focus on this case, and we know the ending for PCpl. Reynold Aggabao Panao. This will serve as an example that if you serve here in our area wearing a police uniform, you must be a good example to us, not only to the people of Valenzuela but to the entire Philippines or wherever you may be assigned)," the mayor said during a press conference at the Valenzuela City Police Station (VCPS) on Monday.
Police said Cpl. Panao, 38, a member of the VCPS, allegedly sexually abused the victim inside their house in Dalandan, Valenzuela City on Saturday, Sept. 3 at around 1 a.m. He only stopped when his live-in partner woke up.
Members of the VCPS Dalandanan Substation immediately arrested the suspect when the victim's mother reported to them the incident.
According to VCPS chief Col. Salvador Destura Jr., the suspect did not resist arrest.
Police learned that Panao abused the victim when her mother was away.
The Northern Police District (NPD) has filed two counts of statutory rape against the suspect before the Valenzuela Prosecutor's Office
Police said Panao was also subjected to a drug test.
The suspect is a quiet person, which is why his colleagues were surprised upon learning that he had committed such a crime.
The Valenzuela mayor assured that justice will be served to the victim.
Gatchalian added that the local city government will provide all the necessary services to the victim.