A public school teacher in the town of Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island was indicted for sexual molestation of a five-year-old boy, allegedly committed four months ago.
Cebu provincial prosecutor Pepita Jane Petralba approved the filing of the case in court against Ricky Velosis for acts of lasciviousness in violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law.
Petralba approved the resolution prepared by prosecutor Jose Edwin Renegado finding probable cause to indict Velosis of the crime.
The prosecutor’s office has already prepared the information of the case to be filed at the Regional Trial Court. Petralba has meanwhile recommended P180,000 bail for Velosis’ temporary liberty.
Velosis, also known as Bobong, is a teacher in barangay Bitoon, Sta Fe.
A five-year-old boy tagged Velosis of allegedly molesting him on the evening of June 9 inside a nipa hut while he was asleep.
The victim’s mother, who reported the incident to the police, said that her son complained of severe pain in his organ because he could not urinate.
When asked what happened, the boy started narrating that he was asleep in a nearby nipa hut but was awakened by Velosis playing with his penis. A physician, after examining the boy in a clinic, later confirmed the boy’s claim.
Velosis, despite the time given to him to refute the charges, failed however to submit his counter-affidavit. – Fred P. Languido/RAE