Mechanic neighbor accused of “molesting” child

CEBU, Philippines - A parent of a five-year-old child sought the assistance of the Basak Police yesterday after her child was allegedly molested by a neighbor last week in Mandaue City.

The mother of the child accused their neighbor mechanic Julius Manatad, 46, married, of molesting her child last March 16.

PO2 Janice Mag-asin of the Women's Desk of  Basak Police said that when the incident took place last March 16, the victim's mother was then cooking for their dinner and did not notice that her child was loitering around the neighborhood. 

She only noticed that the victim was still not yet home at 8 p.m. when they were supposed to eat dinner.

She then went out to look for her child and asked a neighbor, the suspect's daughter, if she had seen her child and the latter allegedly answered that the victim was inside their house.

When she called her child's name, the victim answered and went out of the house.

The mother then asked the child what the latter had been doing inside the suspect's house which had "no lights" at all. The child first answered nothing.

But since the mother was suspicious, she continued to ask more questions to the victim who then answered that she was being kissed, undressed by the suspect who allegedly inserted his finger in her genitals.

Mag-asin said she also asked the child what finger was inserted by the suspect in her genitals and the latter showed her "forefinger."

Mag-asin added that she had prepared the affidavit of the child for the possible filing of a rape case in relation the R.A. 7610, but as of  press time yesterday, the victim's parent was still undecided whether to pursue with the filing of the case.

This as they also sought the assistance of the City Social Welfare Service as they would like to confront the suspect and wanted him out of the neighborhood.

However, Mag-asin said once they decide to file the case in court, their office is ready to assist the victim and his family.  (FREEMAN)