Mayor and Councilor Arrested in Bulacan for 2019 Rape Charges
Philippine Mayor Arrested on Rape Charges, Claims Political Motivation
Pandi, Philippines – In a shocking turn of events, the mayor of Pandi, Bulacan, Enrico Roque, was arrested on Tuesday, December 17, along with councilor Jonjon Roxas and Roel Raymundo, on charges of rape stemming from a 2019 complaint. The arrests, carried out by the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) at the Amana Waterpark in Pandi, have sent shockwaves through the community.
The three men are currently detained at the Northern Police District custodial facility, awaiting their court appearance.While the complaint was filed four years ago, NCRPO information officer Police Lieutenant Gladys Co explained that the delay in issuing the arrest warrants was due to the complexity of the case and the need for thorough legal procedures.
“Honorable maria Rowena Violago Alejandria, Presiding Judge of RTC, Branch 121 of Caloocan City, found probable cause to believe that the accused committed the crimes charged,” Co stated.Authorities are currently unable to locate the complainants, but Co emphasized that their safety is the top priority. “For privacy reasons, we cannot disclose any information that could jeopardize their safety,” she said. “Due to the sensitive nature of the case,we are prioritizing the victims’ safety and well-being.”
In an interview with the Inquirer, Mayor Roque vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “baseless and fabricated.” He suggested the charges were politically motivated, aimed at tarnishing his reputation ahead of the 2025 midterm elections, where he plans to seek reelection.
NewsDirect3.com Interview: Pandi Mayor’s Rape Charge and Political Allegations
NewsDirect3.com: Mayor Roque, you’ve been arrested on serious charges. Can you tell us about the specific charges leveled against you and your response to them?
Mayor Enrico Roque: These charges are entirely baseless and fabricated. I’m being falsely accused of rape, and I vehemently deny all allegations.
NewsDirect3.com: Are you familiar with the complaint filed against you in 2019?
Mayor Roque: While I’m aware of a complaint, it’s crucial to remember that this is a four-years-old case that resurfaced right before the election season. I strongly believe these allegations are politically motivated.
NewsDirect3.com: The NCRPO states that the delay in issuing the arrest warrants was due to the complexity of the case.Do you have any comment on this?
Mayor Roque: The timing of these charges is highly suspicious. With the 2025 midterm elections approaching, and my intention to run for re-election, this appears to be an attempt to damage my reputation and derail my candidacy.
NewsDirect3.com: Do you have any plans to address these accusations legally?
mayor Roque: Absolutely.My legal team is already working diligently to clear my name and expose the truth behind these false accusations.