Man to face trial for raping minor

CEBU, Philippines — A 30-year-old man will face trial in court after the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has found probable cause against him for allegedly raping his 11-year-old neighbor.

The incident happened in January 2016 when the minor and her friends were invited by the accused (name withheld) for a drink. In her affidavit, the victim claimed that she got drunk and the accused took advantage of it.

The minor said she was given P500 by the accused after the incident. She admitted keeping the incident to herself and it was only recently that she told her mother about it when confronted about the rumors that she was selling herself to men.

The victim was assisted by her mother in filing the complaint against their neighbor. Deputy City Prosecutor Ma. Theresa Calibugan-Casiño ordered the suspect to answer the complaint but the latter failed.

“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 resolution of the prosecutor’s office.

Casiño also recommended no bail for the accused. (FREEMAN)