Coach tagged in student’s rape barred from leaving Phl
The Marikina City regional trial court (RTC) on Friday issued a hold departure order (HDO) against a volleyball coach accused of raping a 12-year-old girl last year.
RTC Branch 168 Judge Lorna Catris-Chua Cheng granted the motion of prosecutors for the issuance of an HDO against Dennis Laping.
For the motion of the complainant to have Laping’s passport cancelled, Cheng ordered the prosecution to submit proof the accused has an existing updated passport.
Ariel Inton of the Lawyers for Commuters’ Safety and Protection, who has been helping the victim in the case, said Laping has eluded authorities while facing arrest warrants for rape.
“He can run but he can’t hide,” Inton said in a phone interview.
There were reports Laping visited their home in Barangay Old Balara, Quezon City early January this year. Policemen charged the suspect’s son with obstruction of justice for allegedly delaying the entry of lawmen into their home, which allowed Laping to escape.
Inton said they sought the help of Interior Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Dino to alert all barangay officials in the country about Laping.
Dino did not reply when asked if he has already issued a directive to barangay officers to alert authorities if Laping is in their area.
Inton said they received information where Laping could be hiding but declined to give other details as it could affect the manhunt for Laping.