Grand winner Noven Belleza of ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’, a singing competition of noon time show ‘It’s Showtime’ was arrested on Sunday, July 16, for allegedly raping a local singer in Cebu City.
“Actually, I cannot expound about this case because this is considered as a private crime,” Chief Inspector Jacinto Mandal Jr., head of Mabolo Police Station said in a telephone interview with PEP.ph.
“I cannot divulge you the name of the victim.
“Kilala mo na naman ang suspect, pero I cannot give you the specifics,” Mandal added.
According to Mandal, Belleza was arrested right after his performance in Vice Ganda’s concert at IEC Pavillion in Cebu City. Mandal also said that the victim reported to the police just before the concert.
Reports said the ‘Tanghalan’ champ was rushed to a hospital after his arrest on Sunday due to chest pains and was not able to attend the inquest proceedings scheduled Monday at the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office.
Belleza was a farmer from Negros before he won in the said competition last March.