Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Thursday lauded the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) for the arrest of a serial rapist and robber who had victimized several women.
The suspect, identified as Marianito Sta. Maria, was nabbed by operatives of the Cubao Police Station in Malibay, Pasay City, just three days after he sexually assaulted and robbed a freelance therapist.
“Lubos tayong nagpapasalamat sa QCPD sa mabilis nilang pagkilos para madakip ang suspect sa serye ng panggagahasa at holdapan dito sa ating lungsod,” said Belmonte.
“Nananawagan din ako sa kapulisan na tiyaking mapapanagot ang kriminal na ito sa kanyang mga ginawang kasamaan sa mga kababaihan,” she added.
According to a report submitted to QCPD Director PBGen Danilo Macerin, the victim filed a complaint against Sta. Maria following the sexual assault and robbery incident that occurred on Nov. 3 at Room 306 of Yale Apartelle in Brgy. E. Rodriguez.
In her complaint, the victim said she and Sta. Maria agreed through social media for a two-hour ventosa massage therapy in exchange for a P2,000 fee.
When they met in the hotel room, the victim asked for the payment, but Sta. Maria claimed that his money was inside his car that was being used by his cousin.
After the two-hour massage session, the victim again demanded for the payment, but Sta. Maria told her that his cousin met an accident.
When she asked for her payment for the third time, the suspect pulled out a knife and ordered the victim to give him her money and cellular phone. The suspect subsequently ordered the victim to undress and sexually abused her.
A manhunt operation was conducted by elements of the Cubao Police Station, resulting to the arrest of the suspect in front of Philtranco Bus Terminal along EDSA in Malibay, Pasay City.
Other victims of Sta. Maria also appeared at the Cubao Police Station and positively identified him as the same person who raped them. The suspect will be charged with Robbery with Rape before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.
“Hinihikayat ko ang ating mga mamamayan na kaagad magsumbong sa pinakamalapit na himpilan ng pulisya kapag nakaranas ng ganitong pangyayari. Huwag kayong matakot na magsumbong sapagkat ang inyong kapulisan ay inyong kakampi,” said Macerin.
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