UI law stude charged with rape

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

The National Bureau of Investigation has filed a complaint for rape with the City Prosecutor's Office against a law student who is married to a ranking official of the Department of Public Works and Highways.

The NBI alleged that incoming sophomore Joebert Jalea Cordon raped a 22-year-old classmate early last month inside the former's Nissan Frontier pick up while it was parked a few meters from the victim's residence in Molo.

Cordon and the victim, whom the NBI only identified as Carmela, are classmates at the University of Iloilo College of Law. Cordon is married to Engr. Judy Cordon, officer in charge and assistant regional director of the DPWH Region VI.

Efforts were made at getting the reaction of Cordon. The News Today called up the office of his wife, but she was having a meeting.

The NBI alleged that Cordon invited Carmela to a dinner date last May 5 this year.

A source who spoke on condition of anonymity said that Cordon asked his classmates to go out. Carmela declined the invitation, saying she had no money.

Cordon assured her that it would be the group that would help with the expenses, whereupon Carmela accepted the invitation.

Cordon then requested Rudy Jaganap, also a classmate of theirs, to accompany Carmela in going to Club Verz at around 8 pm. From Club Verz, it was said that the group transferred to nearby MO2 Bar.

At around 12 midnight, Carmela asked that she be brought home. As in previous instances, Cordon volunteered to drive Carmela home to her residence in Molo. Jaganap, on the other hand, drove home the rest of their group.

While they were cruising along Timawa Avenue, Cordon slowed down the vehicle and asked Carmela if they could go somewhere else and talk about his personal problems.

Carmela declined but Cordon stepped on the gas “...and made a full stop at a dark place of a road between Molo Cemetery and BIR building.” It was here that Cordon raped Carmela, the NBI alleged.

Close friends

A source from the school said that Cordon, Carmela and Jaganap are close friends.

“You would see them seated on a single row during classes,” the source said.

Even after classes, you would see the group hang out together, added the source.

The source described Carmela as somebody who talks often.

“She's very open. You would easily know her life story,” the source quipped.

The College is abuzz with what happened during the summer, the source observed, referring to the alleged rape. Almost everybody knows what happened, but they don't talk about it in the open.

Neither Cordon nor Carmela were seen at school during the enrollment period.