NBI arrests security guard for rape of 3 minor stepkids

By Florence F. Hibionada

Operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) here arrested Wednesday a security guard of a local bar in Cabatuan, Iloilo charged of allegedly raping his three stepdaughters. 

All minors aged 17, 15 and 13 respectively, the NBI probe revealed that the teen complainants were sexually molested and abused “several occasions and for different times” in December 2001 to August 2002.

In a news release, the NBI identified the suspect as Ernesto Oñate of Barangay Talanghauan, Cabatuan, Iloilo and a security guard of the Stallion Security Agency stationed at the Ka Beer Bar and Restaurant of said town.

The victims, the news release continued, were allegedly threatened to be ‘silenced' by their stepfather once information of the abuse comes out.

Judge Erlina Sendino-Tersol of the Cabatuan-Maasin MCTC issued the three arrest warrants two of which had bail set at P120,000 each while one carried a no bail recommendation.

“During the service of the said Warrants of Arrest, operatives of the NBI properly identified themselves and informed the Accused of his Warrants of Arrest but the latter resisted by pulling out his service firearm (12 gauge shotgun).  He tried to point the gun to the apprehending operatives but was immediately subdued,” the NBI in the news release said.

The News Today learned that Oñate remained in NBI custody thereafter for the corresponding booking until his turn over to the Cabatuan Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) set later today.