Man, 70, charged for sexual abuse

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office has indicted a 70-year-old man for allegedly sexually abusing a 17-year-old girl.

Prosecutor I Misty Leah Escolar-Hupp held Manolito Farrales, a Filipino who became an American citizen, for trial for two counts of child abuse.

“Anent the charge of sexual exploitation, the undersigned investigating prosecutor likewise finds probable cause to indict respondent for the crime of child prostitution and other sexual abuse punished under Section 5, Article III of Republic Act 7610,” the resolution read, adding Farrales was likewise indicted for a violation of Section 10, Article V1 of RA 7610 or child abuse for maltreating the minor.

Hupp recommended a P200,000 bail for Farrales’ temporary liberty for violation of Section 5 of RA 7610 and P80,000 for a violation of Section 10 of RA 7610.

The complainant, who is reportedly the younger sister of Farrales’ ex-girlfriend, alleged that Farrales has subjected her to physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

She alleged that after the accused and her older sister broke up, the former started to court her over the telephone. She added she was compelled to accept Farrales’ courtship after her father told her.

The complainant said she had a long-distance relationship with the accused and it was in 2013, when the accused came back to the Philippines.

She alleged that the night Farrales arrived, the accused sexually abuse her. She said that Farrales allegedly slapped her, pulled her hair, pointed a gun at her, and threatened to kill her.

The complainant said she wanted to flee from the house of the accused in Cebu City, but she could not do so because her older brother, who received a motorcycle from Farrales, was watching her.

On August 31, 2014, she said Farrales forced her to admit that she was raped by his driver and they went to a police station to report the matter.

In the station, Farrales was arrested by the police after they saw a handgun from his possession.

The complainant seized the opportunity and reported to the police that she was being abused by the accused.

Hupp summoned Farrales to file his counter-affidavit to answer the allegations filed against him but failed. Thus, she resolved the complaint based on the evidence of the complainant.  (FREEMAN)