Man charged for allegedly raping partner’s daughter

CEBU, Philippines – A 31-year-old man is facing charges in court for allegedly attempting to rape the 11-year-old daughter of his live-in partner.

The Freeman is withholding the name of the accused to protect the identity of the victim.

Cebu City Prosecutor 1 Jill Ann Paculba-Gealon the victim’s allegation that “her mother’s live-in partner touched and undressed her cannot just be brushed aside.”

“What is more, this claim remains uncontroverted. With the foregoing, this Office finds the allegation of the complainant sufficient to establish probable cause to charge respondent of the crime charged,” her resolution reads.

The victim alleged that she was sleeping around 5:30 p.m. on August 10, 2015 when she felt someone touch her. She initially thought that it was her mother so she continued to sleep. However, she was eventually awakened when she felt that her underwear and her short pants were being pulled down. She then saw the accused, who was already naked at that time, quickly wear his shorts.

The minor said the accused acted as if nothing happened and laid down beside her mother who was also sleeping at that time.

The minor’s aunt who learned about the incident from the victim went the victim’s house with her brother and arrested the accused and turned him over to the Mambaling Police Station.

During inquest proceeding, the accused chose to answer the allegations against him at the prosecutor’s level but failed to submit his counter-affidavit within the time allowed.

Because of this, Gealon elevated the case to the Regional Trial Court and recommended a P120,000 bail for the accused’ temporary liberty. —/JMO (FREEMAN)