By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The British national reportedly involved in the assault of a police officer at the Goldenfields Commercial Complex in Bacolod City earlier this week also faces rape charges after allegedly sexually assaulting a bargirl by forcefully taking her undergarments.

Bacolod City Police Office-Women and Children’s Protection Desk (BCPO-WCPD) head, Police Inspector Arlyn Torrendon, said the 29-year-old woman, whom she refused to identify, underwent a medical examination which came up positive for sexual abuse.

The victim pointed to 31-year-old Stephen Martin Wadel as the alleged perpetrator.

Torrendon said investigators found reasonable grounds for Wadel to be charged of rape.

However, she pointed out Wadel is eligible for release from the Police Station 8 (PS8) custodial facility if he pays P200,000 bail.

The separate charges of alarm and scandal, resisting arrest, and disobedience to persons of authority have already been filed against Wadel by PS8 personnel.

Earlier, Wadel allegedly caused a raucous at the Goldenfields Commercial Complex.

PS8 personnel, led by Senior Police Officer 1 Rolito Vandez, initially tried to calm the suspect, but Wadel started kicking and cussing at Vandez, prompting the responding cops to proceed with his arrest./DGB, WDJ