Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson confirmed Friday that the chief of the PNP Custodial Service Unit was relieved after being accused of sexually assaulting detainee Nova Parojinog.
Police Colonel Ysmael Yu said in a phone interview that the identified the accused PNP official as Police Lieutenant Colonel Jigger Noceda.
“Basic ‘yan, nirerelieve si Noceda pending investigation. That is very basic. It involves the woman, the intervention will be WCPC…” Yu said.
“On the very first day, the director of HSS has relieved him already. After ng report na ‘yun,” he added.
Nova Parojinog was arrested during a 2017 police raid that killed their father, Ozamiz City mayor Reynaldo Parojinog Sr., his wife, and 13 others. She is currently detained at the Camp Crame Custodial Center.
On Wednesday, October 7, the PNP Women and Children Protection Center filed a criminal complaint against Noceda at the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. Parojinog accused the cop of rape, acts of lasciviousness, unjust vexation, and a violation of the Safe Spaces Act.
According to Parojinog’s testimony, as filed with the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office, the sexual assault occurred twice.
The first happened on June 9 when Noceda called Parojinog to his office and asked her about the letter she sent him inquiring when visits would be allowed.
One police officer then informed Parojinog that her daughter, Sophia, was visiting that moment.
When she was about to leave the office to see her daughter, Noceda stopped her and said, “Mag-selfie muna tayo (Let’s take a selfie first).”
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Cop accused of sexually assaulting Nova Parojinog relieved
“He suddenly pulled my arm. After that, he quickly pushed me to a part of the wall where we weren’t seen by anyone and he suddenly kissed me,” Parojinog said in her testimony.
She then walked out of the office and told her daughter what happened and asked her to call their lawyers.
The second incident occurred on September 7 when Nova Parojinog talked to Noceda if there are any court orders she needed to know.
When she was leaving, Noceda again grabbed her, pushed her to the wall, and touched her private parts.
The cop even threatened her that no one would listen to her even if she screamed or filed a complaint. Noceda even asked her if she can bear his child.
“While on my way out, I saw him laughing, and he said that I would dream of him that night,” Nova Parojinog said in her complaint.
Parojinog reported the incidents to the PNP chief, and investigations were launched.
She recalled him telling her: “I shouldn’t have done that to you. I am pleading that you deny your letters, and I would never show myself to you again. I will just have myself relieved. Sorry, I shouldn’t have taken advantage of your situation.”