One of the men charged was the victim’s former boyfriend who allegedly did not stop his friends from abusing her, but instead encouraged them, said case investigator, PO3 Alain Sigua, of the Taguig police Station Investigation Division.
The suspects were all arrested by the police. They were identified as Gregorio Morales, 19, Leonard Bejo, 19, Rocky Tablan, 21, Rio Jovete, 21, Marlo Tapalla, 21, Dick Rubang, 22, and the girl’s 18-year-old former boyfriend, whose name The STAR is withholding for being a minor.
All were the victim’s neighbors in an area in Katipunan Village, Western Bicutan.
Sigua said the incident happened at around 7:45 p.m. inside Morales’ house.
The victim, of Sitio Masagana, KM 13, East Service Road, was passing by the house when her former boyfriend saw her and asked her to join him watch television inside with his friends. She obliged. Later, Morales and Rubang suggested a drinking session. The boyfriend bought a bottle of brandy and ice. When both the victim and her former boyfriend got drunk, the two reportedly had sex inside one of the rooms. Later, the boyfriend went out and left the victim inside. To her surprise, Rubang suddenly entered the room and forced himself on her. Sigua said the others followed, one after another.
The victim had only finished fourth grade, which could be one of the reason for her vulnerability when she agreed to join a group of men in a drinking spree, Sigua said. She and her former boyfriend had only been together for a month when they broke up, Sigua added.
The victim immediately reported the incident to the police and underwent medico-legal examination, which showed that she was sexually abused.
Police authorities arrested the suspects in their respective houses. They did not resist arrest, Sigua said.
The suspects are now detained at the Taguig police detention cell. Charges of rape and violation of RA 7610 or the anti-child abuse law will be filed against the suspects.
The victim will be turned over to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Sigua said.