Man, 27, charged for child abuse for maltreating neighbor, 13

CEBU, Philippines – The Office of the Cebu City Prosecutor has indicted a 27-year-old man for allegedly maltreating his 13-year-old neighbor.

Associate Prosecution lawyer Jennifer Karen Alo-Leyson held the Barangay Labangon resident for trial after finding probable cause for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.

The FREEMAN is withholding the names of both parties to protect the identity of the minor.

The alleged maltreatment happened on October 6 outside the victim’s house.

The boy was allegedly on his way back home with his younger brother to eat dinner when the suspect allegedly approached him and tried to strike him with a saucer.

The younger brother immediately ran towards their house while his elder brother was hit by the suspect with the saucer to his face.

After this, the suspect allegedly punched the boy.

According to the 13-year-old, the suspect has been used to threatening and mauling children, adding that he himself alone had been maltreated by the suspect for four times before.

He recalled that the suspect threw at him a slipper once and choked him last week.

The minor disclosed to his parents the abusive acts of his neighbor. He was told by his father that they would have the suspect arrested if he does it again.

Last Monday, the boy and his parents reported the recent incident to the barangay hall. Barangay tanods then responded and arrested the suspect who was along the alley near the victim’s house.

The suspect was then turned over to the police station.

During the inquest proceedings before the prosecutor, the suspect chose not to answer the allegations against him and manifested to face the charges in court; hence his indictment.

Leyson recommended P60,000 bail against him. — (FREEMAN)