2 brods jailed for ‘raping’ pregnant neighbor

CEBU, Philippines - Two siblings were arrested by City of Naga, Cebu policemen for allegedly raping a 34-year-old pregnant woman Sunday night.

The suspects were identified as Leonardo Labrado, 38, and his brother Nelson, 26, who are both married and neighbors of the victim, who came to their place with her family just three weeks ago.

The police said the woman, her husband, and their two kids left Mindanao around six months ago in search for better opportunities and settled in Naga.

Superintendent Brindo Nacario, police station chief, said the victim was alone in the house with her children when the crime happened.

Police Officer 3 Darwin Melodia said the suspects managed to get inside the victim’s house by unlocking the door through an open window.

The woman was alone with her children and was already sleeping when the suspects came around 10 p.m.

Her husband, a carpenter, was in Cebu City working in a construction firm.

She could not call for help, Melodia said, because the suspects were pointing a gun at her while committing the crime and they allegedly threatened to kill her and her children if she would make a sound.

The victim went to the police moments after her ordeal. Responding policemen gathered pictures of the woman’s neighbors and she identified Leonardo and Nelson as the suspects from among the photos.

Nacario said the suspects have no derogatory record in their place.

A complaint for violating Republic Act 8353 (Anti-Rape Law of 1997) were already filed against Leonardo and Nelson, who were transferred to the Naga City Jail yesterday afternoon.  (FREEMAN)