Still no progress in 'Florence' case

DAVAO CITY, Philippines  – Investigators are still facing a blank wall as to who were really behind the gang-rape of a volunteer nurse in South Upi, Maguindanao in September last year.

“Florence,” as the media has dubbed the rape victim, has yet to come up with an affidavit on the incident herself.

The victim’s testimony could help investigators identify who the perpetrators were.

“I understand that she still does not remember anything about the incident whenever investigators ask her. That is why she still has not come up with any affidavit,” a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) source told The STAR.

Florence has been in NBI custody since she was released last November from the Southern Philippines Medical Center here where she underwent surgery and psychiatric and psychological treatment.

Florence suffered from memory loss as a result of severe contusions she sustained on the head during the rape.

She is still reportedly undergoing psychological and psychiatric therapy.

The NBI source said Florence is kept in a safehouse here since her family no longer wants to return home in Cotabato City.

Maguindanao police director Marcelo Pintac said they have taken a hands-off stance in the rape case as the NBI now handles it.

Florence was attacked while on her way home after spending a few hours at a videoke bar in South Upi on the night of Sept. 25 last year.

She was found unconscious the following morning in a vacant lot outside the South Upi District Hospital.