Four persons, including a minor, were arrested by law enforcers yesterday, about 24 hours after they allegedly sexually-molested their two female friends in Bacolod City Wednesday, the police said.

Ryan Quijano, 18, JR Defensor, 18, Rocky de los Santos, 18, and their 16-year-old companion, were nabbed by Police Station 1 and special tasks group members outside the Panaad Park and Stadium in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod, at about 6:30 p.m. yesterday, Chief Inspector Noel Manaay said.         

Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 states that minors who violate the law cannot be detained but Manaay said they put the 16-year-old boy under custody because it was a rape case.

Manaay, who led the arrest, said two second year high school students positively identified the four to be the ones who took turns in raping them at the house of a certain Joemarie Bagaforo at Grandville Subdivision, Brgy. Mansilingan at about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The suspects, who are now detained, denied the accusations, Manaay said.They are still probing if Bagaforo was involved as the four denied knowing him, he added.

The two students, whose names are being withheld by the DAILY STAR, told investigators they and the suspects were “textmates” and the molestation happened after they’ve had a drinking spree with the four Wednesday, Manaay said.

The girls’ parents have apparently sought the help of their school’s administration after the incident, he said.

Manaay also said they are verifying allegations that one of the girls has a romantic relationship with one of the suspects.

He said the four did not resist arrest as 13 police officers nabbed them yesterday.

The Bacolod City Police Office Women’s and Children’s Concerns Desk said it will file the charges against Quijano, Defensor, De los Santos, and the minor either today or early next week.*PP

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