Aussie accused of raping minor in Toledo City faces charges

CEBU, Philippines - The 60-year-old Australian national accused of raping a 17-year-old girl is facing charges before the Toledo City Prosecutor’s Office.

PO2 Jeffrey Caburnay told The FREEMAN that complaints for rape and attempted rape have been filed Wednesday against the suspect.

The girl, a native of Negros Oriental, sought the assistance of the Toledo police after the suspect allegedly tried to rape her at around 5 a.m. on February 25, 2014.

The FREEMAN is withholding the name of the victim owing to the sensitive nature of the case, as well as that of the respondent’s pending official statement from him.

SPO2 Liza Maquidato of the Toledo City Women’s Desk earlier said the victim worked as caretaker at the suspect’s house and the respondent had sent her to school.

Maquidato said that based on the statement of the girl, she was allegedly raped by the respondent on February 23, 2014. Two days later on February 25, the suspect allegedly tried to rape her again at his house in Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City.

Acting on the victim’s complaint, the Toledo police immediately went to respondent’s house and arrested him.

If proven guilty, the Australian may face up to 40 years in jail. — (FREEMAN)