Repost: Tawag ng Tanghalan Champion Noven Belleza Gets Arrested for Rape Allegations in Cebu

Image courtesy of The Freeman

Image courtesy of www.entertainment.inquirer.net

Source: www.philstar.com

The first ever winner of a singing contest in a noontime television show was arrested in Cebu for rape allegations.

Police Chief Insp. Jacinto Mandal Jr., chief of the Mabolo Police, confirmed the arrest of the singer.

Mandal told The Freeman the singer was arrested at past midnight yesterday shortly after the concert of one of the noontime show’s hosts in Cebu at the IEC Pavilion in Barangay Mabolo. The singer was a guest performer in the concert.

The Freeman is witholding the singer's name pending the filing of  formal charges.

Mandal said the supposed victim went with the police team to the concert venue where the singer was arrested. The singer did not resist arrest.

The arrest was carried out by a team led by Senior Insp. Jovito Labra.

Mandal said the singer was detained at the Mabolo Police Station until early Sunday afternoon. By around 1 p.m., the singer reportedly complained of chest pains and was subsequently brought to the hospital by around 3 p.m.

As of last night, the singer was still in the hospital.

Mandal said the singer has denied the allegations.

Complaint

PO1 Ma. Theresa Talisic of the Women and Children’s Protection Desk said the arrest was hatched after they spoke to the supposed victim.

In an exclusive interview with The Freeman, the supposed victim, a 19-year-old local performer, said the alleged rape happened at around 2 a.m. last Saturday at a condominium in Barangay Lahug where the singer was reportedly housed.

She also alleged that the singer hurt her physically when she tried to stop him.

She said she will disclose more details about the alleged incident when the case reaches the court.

She said she could not believe the singer could hurt her because they are friends.

“Wala ko nag-expect nga iyaha nang buhaton nako kay buotan man gud kay na siya, pero dili sad ko mosugot nga sayon-sayonon rako niya,” she said.

The woman’s parents said they will not agree to a settlement.

“Dili mi gusto nga duna pa siya’y laing mabiktima maong tinud-on gyud namo siya og kiha para makakuha mi og hustisya sa nahitabo sa among anak,” the father said.

He also said that the medical exam his daughter underwent showed she has, indeed, been raped.

Charges

Formal charges are expected to be filed against the singer today.

Mandal said the singer may face charges for alleged violation of the anti-rape law. He also said the singer will be discharged from the hospital only upon the advice of doctors.

Labra, meanwhile, said the singer may be transferred to the Cebu City Jail once a formal case is elevated to court. — /JMO (FREEMAN)