Man faces rape charges

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has charged a 30-year-old man before the court for allegedly raping his neighbor, then 11.

Deputy City Prosecutor Ma. Theresa Calibugan-Casiño held accused, a resident of Cebu City, for trial after finding probable cause of rape.

“Careful scrutiny of the narration of private complainant would show that probable cause exists for the charge of rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code as amended by Republic Act 8353 (rape),” read the ruling.

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

Also, Casiño recommended no bail for the suspect’s temporary liberty.

In her sworn-statement, the minor claimed that the accused raped her thrice sometime in the first week of December 2016.

While loitering around together with her lesbian friend at 9 p.m., the accused reportedly invited them over for a drink. The teens positively responded to the invitation.

When the victim got drunk, the suspect allegedly brought her inside a shanty and raped her.

The victim said she was given P500 after the incident.

But it was not the last.

The victim was again raped twice.

The minor said she did not disclose her ordeal in the hands of the accused until she was confronted by her mother.

The mother, in her affidavit, said she confronted her daughter after she heard rumors about her daughter selling herself to men.

The minor then confessed to her mother and recounted her ordeal.

The suspect was ordered to submit his counter-affidavit to answer the allegations filed against him, but failed.

Thus, the complaint was resolved based on the evidence available.

“Upon review, it is noted that the two investigating prosecutors found probable cause to indict respondent as charged. Undersigned agrees to these findings,” the decision read. (FREEMAN)