No bail for young man who ‘raped’ friend’s sister

CEBU, Philippines — For allegedly raping his friend's sister, a 21-year-old man from Cebu City is facing charges before the court.

Prosecutor II Maria Lourdes Bragat-Quilitorio found probable cause for the suspect to face trial for the crime.

"(T)he accused was given a chance to submit controverting evidence and that on the basis of the evidence submitted, there is a reasonable ground to believe that the violation of RA 8353 has been committed and that there is sufficient cause to hold accused for trial," she said.

Republic Act 8353 is the Anti-Rape Law of the country. Quilitorio recommended no bail against the accused.

In her complaint-affidavit, the 18-year-old victim alleged that the suspect raped her at 3 a.m. last April 3 while she was lying down in her room.

She said that prior to the incident, she was sleeping when she heard noise downstairs. When she checked, she saw her brother drunk with his two friends.

She said she boiled water for her brother and then went back to sleep, thinking that her brother's friends were leaving.

She said she was in her bed when the suspect lay down beside her and proceeded in molesting her despite her resistance.

The victim told her boyfriend about what happened to her and together reported it to the police.

Quilitorio summoned the suspect and directed him to file his counter-affidavit but he did not. (FREEMAN)