Boy, 17, sued for raping girl

CEBU, Philippines — A 17-year-old boy is facing rape charges before the court for allegedly taking advantage of his neighbor, a 15-year-old girl.

“The testimony of the child is sufficient to point to the respondent as the one responsible for the sexual contact,” read the resolution issued by Prosecutor Noel Cellona.

In her sworn statement, the victim, a resident of Cebu City, alleged that sometime in July 2018, she was raped by her neighbor, whom she had thought of as a friend.

Cellona directed the 17-year-old to answer the allegations filed against him.

However, since the latter can no longer be located, Cellona submitted the complaint for a resolution.

An Initial Development Evaluation report conducted by a psychologist stated that although the victim is physically 15 years of age, her academic age is three years and eight months old, while her mental age is comparable to someone only five years old and nine months.

Cellona found probable cause that the crime was committed, and his findings were approved by City Prosecutor Liceria Lofranco-Rabillas. (FREEMAN)