THE NEW PEOPLE’S Army-Camarines Norte (Armando Catapia Command) strongly condemned 16th IB soldiers for raping at least three women the province in recent months.

One of the victims was a 21-year-old woman from Barangay Bagong Silang 3. She said she was alone in her house when three 16th IB soldiers arrived in September. One of the soldiers forcibly entered the house and raped her while the other two served as lookouts.

On October 7, soldiers also raped another woman from Barangay Bagong Silang 2. The victim said she tried to resist but failed. After the crime, her ₱2,000 was also stolen.

Also in October, elements of the same battalion raped a student from Barangay Daguit while on her way to school.

ACC spokesperson Ka Carlito Cada said the 16th IB’s rapes are not new as the battalion has a history of violence against women since it was first deployed in the province.