Laborer arrested for raping girl, 8

MANILA, Philippines — A 33-year-old construction worker was arrested on Monday afternoon, a few days after he allegedly beat up and raped an eight-year-old girl then left her for dead in Barangay Ibayo, Tipas, Taguig City, an official said yesterday.

Soreto Manuguid Jr. was detained at the Taguig police station for rape and attempted homicide after the girl identified him, according to National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. 

The girl was walking home at around 3 p.m. on Sunday when Manuguid allegedly asked her to follow him to a vacant lot in exchange for cash, Eleazar said.

Manuguid reportedly punched the girl’s face and choked her when they got to the vacant lot. He then raped her and stuffed her in a sack, thinking she was dead, according to Eleazar.

The girl escaped and told her parents of her ordeal. She is being treated at a hospital in Taguig. Eleazar said Manuguid denied the allegation.