Tawag Ng Tanghalan Grand Champion Noven Belleza Arrested, Here’s What We Know

Tawag Ng Tanghalan grand champion Noven Belleza was arrested in Cebu on Sunday for an alleged rape. The victim’s family is pressing charges against the singer for allegedly forcing himself on her while they were both at Noven’s condo unit in Cebu City. Here’s what we know.

Noven Belleza won ABS-CBN’s singing competition, “Tawag Ng Tanghalan,” in March. His story is one of rags to riches. The 22-year-old singer was in the spotlight for months when he joined the show singing Air Supply songs. He instantly became everyone’s favorite most especially when he sang effortlessly during the grand finals of TNT as if he already knew he would take home the trophy. It was then when he became a regular on ABS-CBN’s noon time show and other talk shows as well.

Noven’s story was also featured on an episode of Maalala Mo Kaya. People knew him as a very simple yet good man who had nothing else in mind but to give his family a better life.

Noven Belleza arrested in Cebu for alleged rape

The Freeman reported early on about the alleged rape but did not mention any names pending the filing of formal charges. It just mentioned “singing champ” to refer to the singer then. Sunstar Cebu, however, gave a name to the singer as Noven Belleza.

According to The Freeman, Mabolo Police Chief Insp. JacintoMandal Jr. confirmed Noven’s arrest past midnight on Sunday. Sunstar Cebu says Noven was a guest performer at Vice Ganda’s “Pusuan Mo Si Vice Ganda” held at the IEC Pavillion in barangay Mabolo in Cebu on Saturday. The report says Noven did not resist the arrest.

Mandal also confirmed that Noven was held at the Mabolo Police Station after his arrest until Sunday afternoon but was brought to the hospital at around 1 p.m. Apparently, the singer complained of a chest pain and had to get medical attention. The Freeman says he will only be discharged if doctor’s say so. Police chief Insp. Mandal said Noven denied these allegations. According to Sunstar Cebu, the victim came to the police just before the concert.

The Freeman had an exclusive interview with the victim. She’s a 19-year-old local performer. She said she and Noven were at the singer’s condo and the alleged rape happened at around 2 a.m. on Saturday. The “victim” added Noven physically hurt her when she tried to stop him. According to the report, the victim’s parents will not agree to any settlement. Her father revealed that she went through a medical exam which confirms that she was indeed raped.

Meanwhile, fans on Twitter are trying to figure this all out. Some take the singer’s side, while some take the victim’s side. One netizen took screenshots of people’s comments about the victim saying why would the victim’s parents even allow her to be out till two in the morning. Some feel sad for the singer while some are just wondering if it could really be true.

Noven Belleza may face violations of the anti-rape law. Sunstar Cebu says that as of 4 p.m. on Monday, July 17, the inquest proceedings at the Cebu City’s prosecutor’s office is ongoing.