Man indicted for “raping” 15-year-old neighbor

CEBU, Philippines - The Prosecutor’s Office has recommended no bail against a man accused of raping his 15-year-old neighbor.

 Prosecutor I Jill Ann Paculba-Gealon held a 41-year-old man, a resident of Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City, for trial for violating Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-rape Law.

 “Perusal of the allegations of (complainant) warrants a finding of probable cause to charge (accused) for rape. All the above-enumerated elements are present in the instant complaint. Her claim cannot just be brushed aside. In her innocent and tender age, (complainant) is presumed to have told the truth,” read the resolution.

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

 The 15-year old girl alleged that on October 8, 2015 she was awakened at around 1 a.m. when the accused took-off her clothes and she was then sexually abused. The victim said she tried to resist and tried to push away the accused but her hands were held.

The victim was reportedly alone in the house since her mother was out while her father had already passed away.

 The minor said she was able to escape from their house and she ran outside and stayed near a fish vendor.

The victim later, with her mother, reported the incident before the police station.

 The accused was given the opportunity to file his counter-affidavit to negate the allegations filed against him but failed. Thus, Gealon resolved the complaint based on the evidence of the complainant.

 With the foregoing facts, Gealon found probable cause to indict the accused for trial.  (FREEMAN)