Man charged for raping sister

CEBU, Philippines – Prosecutors have elevated to court rape charges against a man accused of raping his own sister almost two years ago.

Facing charges is Renante Archival, 24, of barangay Sirao, Cebu City.

Archival’s 13-year-old sister had alleged that evening on December 12, 2007, she was awakened because of someone touching her body. She reportedly tried to push the man away but his grip was reportedly strong, giving him the advantage to take off her garments and eventually rape her.

The victim said it was only when the man spoke and told her she was no longer a virgin when she recognized that it was her “Kuya Renato.”

The victim said their parents were not at the house at that time because they reportedly went to barangay Taptap for its fiesta the day before. She reportedly was supposed to stay at her uncle’s house but her sister reportedly followed her and advised her to return home.

The day following the alleged incident, the victim said she told her teacher about what happened, which prompted the latter to bring her to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for assistance.

The DSWD subsequently helped her file a formal complaint at the Camp Sotero Cabahug on February 18, 2008.

Archival remains at large and because of the “qualifying circumstances” that he is the brother of the victim, he would not be allowed to post bail for his temporary liberty once he gets arrested. — Iris Christine Cornito and Angelica Odias (THE FREEMAN)