Minor indicted for raping girl

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a 16-year-old boy for allegedly raping a 14-year-old girl.

Prosecutor III Ruso Zaragoza held the minor, a first year college student, for trial after finding probable cause that he acted with discernment when he raped the girl.

In an inquest proceeding, the accused chose not to undergo preliminary investigation to answer the allegation filed against him. Instead, he manifested to face the charges in court.

 Zaragoza recommended P500,000 bail for the minor’s temporary liberty.

 The Freeman is withholding the names of the parties involved due to the sensitive nature of the case.

 In her sworn statement, the victim’s mother alleged that her daughter was allegedly raped by the accused on January 14.

 She said when her daughter arrived, together with the accused at around 8 p.m. from the house of the accused, she noticed the latter was pale and there was blood in her pants.

 When she confronted her daughter, she found out that she was raped.

 Her husband was able to get hold of the accused and brought him to the Barangay Hall.

 The mother said the parents of the accused were summoned to appear before the barangay to settle the incident but they failed to reach a settlement.  (FREEMAN)