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Quezon town police chief sacked over sex harassment raps of lady cop

LUCENA CITY— A Quezon town police commander was ordered relieved from his post after he was complained of sexual harassment by his subordinate, a pretty policewoman.

Major Rizaldy Merene, police commander of Lucban, Quezon, was accused of harassment by Police Senior Staff Sergeant Melanie Villaverde, 40, assigned at the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) in the said unit.

Officer on case, Police Senior Master Sergeant Aurelia Garcela said the alleged incident occurred Thursday evening at the Roadside Hotel in Brgy. Wakas, Tayabas City.

Quoting Villaverde’s accounts, Garcela said that prior to the incident, the victim along with Merene and a civilian friend were invited by a certain Christina Peraz for a snack at the newly opened coffee shop inside the Countryside Subd. in Brgy. Ayuti, Tayabas City.

After the snack, Merene allegedly offered to take Villaverde to the police station on his private vehicle.

While inside the car, Merene allegedly started touching the victim’s hands and thigh and eventually brought her to the Roadside Inn Hotel outside the city.

Upon arrival at the hotel, Villaverde managed to escape and hurriedly rode a tricycle.

Villaverde proceeded to her friend in Tayabas City where she sought assistance, Garcela said.

In her complaint, Villaverde revealed that prior to the incident, there were instances that Merene sexually harassed her inside her barracks.

In a phone interview, Quezon police director Col. Ericson Dilag said he has ordered Merene’ relief pending the investigation on Villaverde’s complaint.

Merene was replaced by Major Lauro Moratillo as Officer In Charge.

Administrative and criminal charges will be filed against Merene.

We do not tolerate any abuse and wrongdoing of our personnel, it there’s any. That’s why I had him relieved while being investigated,” said Dilag.