CEBU, Philippines — A 35-year-old American national is facing charges before the court for allegedly having with him a 14-year-old girl who is not his relative.
Prosecutor II Venice Balansag held Anthony Wayne Hammonds for trial after finding probable cause for violation of Section 10 (b) of Republic Act 7610 or child abuse.
“…with deliberate intent, did then and there unlawfully and feloniously keep in his company, a 14-year old minor at his condo unit in Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City…thus, in violation of Section 10(b) of RA 7610,” read the information.
A 14-year-old girl, in her sworn-statement, stated that on March 26, 2019 at about 1 a.m. she was brought by her friend to the condo unit of Hammonds. She was told that they will meet her close friend there.
She stayed at the condo from March 26 until March 29.
While at the condo, the minor said Hammonds promised her to buy clothes.
A 36-year-old mother of the minor, a resident of Barangay Carreta, Cebu City, said she asked the help of the police after her daughter left their house on March 25.
“Nabalaka ko kay lain man iyang last nga gi-chat sa akoa kay niingun siya, ‘Mama, ay’g kabalaka, ig uli nako naa koy madala kwarta. Tagai lang sa ko’g time, dili sata magkita karun,” the affidavit reads. (I got worried when she sent a chat telling me that not to worry because she will bring money when she comes home. She asked for time before she can see me again.)
It was later when she learned that her daughter was at the condo unit of Hammonds.
A bail of P120,000 was recommended for Hammonds temporary liberty. (FREEMAN)