Rape victim wants DSWD to release case record

MANILA, Philippines - A woman who was allegedly raped by Caloocan congressional candidate Dale Malapitan yesterday asked the help of Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Dinky Soliman to release her case record.

Lawyer Trixie Angeles-Cruz, who represents the woman, said their action stemmed from the alleged refusal of the DSWD-National Capital Region to release the records last week.

“Denying her access to her own records is not only ridiculous, it is outright illegal,” Angeles said in a statement released by the Caloocan government. The 21-year-old woman had accused Malapitan; barangay watchmen Joselito Lim, Roderick Antonio and Danilo Bautista; and barangay councilmen Pedro Tolentino, “Larry,” and “Michael” of raping her in 2008, when she was still 16.

Malapitan, who was then a barangay captain, has previously denied the allegations. Malapitan is running against outgoing Mayor Enrico Echiverri.

From April 2008 to November 2011, Angeles’ client was under the custody of the DSWD, which was tasked to provide legal services and counseling to underage victims.