MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed a 41-year-old training instructor under restrictive custody after a 23-year-old female trainee accused him of raping her twice earlier this year. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that the instructor has been disarmed and transferred to the training headquarters in Laguna as the organization prepares both criminal and administrative cases.
The alleged incidents took place at the Cordillera Administrative Region Training Center in Baguio City during the first quarter of 2026.
The complainant filed her formal complaint on April 13, detailing two separate instances of sexual assault:
- First Incident: Allegedly occurred on January 20 at approximately 2 a.m.
- Second Incident: Allegedly occurred on February 8 at approximately 1 p.m.
- Location: In both instances, the trainee claimed she was summoned to the instructor’s private barracks, where the assaults reportedly took place.
The victim has provided a sworn affidavit and is currently undergoing psychological assessment and support as part of the official investigation.
Gen. Nartatez emphasized that the PNP is taking the allegations with “utmost seriousness” and urged other personnel, especially women, to speak up about misconduct.
- Restrictive Custody: The suspect is currently held at the PNP training headquarters to prevent any interference with the investigation.
- Administrative Sanctions: If proven guilty, the instructor faces summary dismissal from the service, forfeiture of salary, and demotion in rank.
- Criminal Penalties: For each count of rape, the penalty can reach reclusion perpetua (up to 40 years of imprisonment).
The case adds to a string of recent controversies involving training facilities and the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA):
- July 2025 Incident: A tactical officer was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a male cadet under the guise of a massage.
- April 2025 Hazing Case: A hazing incident involving 22 cadets in Cavite led to the relief of several top academy officials, including the PNPA director, for failing to report the violence immediately.
Gen. Nartatez assured the public that the investigation would be handled with transparency. “To our personnel, especially women: you are safe to speak up. You are protected and we will not abandon you,” Nartatez stated in a press release.