Here is another horrific instance of the Philippine justice system being anything but just. At least that is how it appears. A young 11-year old girl was groomed and then assaulted. The suspect fled to his father's house who gave him money to disappear. Eventually he was caught. But apparently he has not been charged. The victim's mother tearfully claimed she will be filing a case even though she has no money.
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| https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/704615/mother-of-11-year-old-vows-to-file-rape-raps-vs-suspect-nabbed-in-manila |
The mother of an 11-year-old girl, who was allegedly raped in a barangay in Cebu City, vowed to pursue charges against the suspect following his arrest in Manila after an attempted escape.
The suspect, identified as alias “Andot,” 37, was arrested at around 2:25 a.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at the North Harbor Zaragoza Terminal in Manila during a hot pursuit operation conducted by operatives of the Cebu City Police Office’s Guadalupe Police Station.
Mother pushes for justice
In an interview, the victim’s mother, alias “Rhea,” 37, said she was determined to file a case against the suspect after learning about what allegedly happened to her daughter.
“Kung ingon ana man lang, ikaw mao’y nakapawala sa ugma sa akoang anak… mu-file jud ko nimo bahalag wa koy kwarta. Mu-file jud ko,” she said.
(If that is the case, you are the one who made the futre of my child disappear…I will really file even though I don’t have any money. I really would file.)
How mom found out
The mother said she initially became concerned when her daughter returned home last March 7 and repeatedly went to the restroom.
She said she later discovered blood on the child’s clothing and body, prompting her to ask the girl about what had happened.
According to the mother, the child eventually told her that the suspect had allegedly taken her to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her.
The incident was immediately reported to barangay officials and the police.
Suspect arrested in Manila
Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rudolf Oriol, deputy city director for operations of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said investigators later identified the suspect as a 37-year-old habal-habal driver and a neighbor of the victim in a barangay in Cebu City.
Oriol said the suspect allegedly lured the child, who trusted him because they lived in the same community, and brought her to a secluded area in the same barangay where the crime reportedly occurred.
Escape route traced
Police Colonel George Ylanan, CCPO officer-in-charge, said investigators tracked the suspect’s movements after learning he had traveled from Cebu to Bacolod City, where he boarded a passenger vessel bound for Manila.
Police officers immediately flew to Manila and coordinated with the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group–Regional Field Unit National Capital Region (CIDG RFU-NCR), the Manila Police District Station 12 SWAT, the Philippine Coast Guard Sea Marshal, and the Philippine Ports Authority.
Authorities intercepted the suspect upon the arrival of the passenger vessel he boarded in Bacolod City at the Manila North Harbor as he allegedly attempted to flee.
Victim recovering
Police said the child was brought to a medical facility in Cebu City on the evening of March 7 after the incident was reported.
Initial medico-legal assessment indicated signs of sexual assault, according to Oriol, although the official medical report had yet to be released.
As of this writing, authorities said the victim was still recovering from the incident.
Police are also investigating the suspect’s background and assessing possible liability of individuals who may have helped him flee.
The suspect is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.
The story ends by noting that the suspect is facing charges. But who is going to file the charges? The state? That should be the case yet the mother says she will be filing charges and indicates that doing so is prohibitively expensive. One lawyers office says it is the prosecutor who files this kind of case and any other fees would be waived for the indigent.
Costs Associated with Filing a Rape Case
The concern about costs often arises due to the financial strain that pursuing legal cases can entail. However, when it comes to filing a rape case in the Philippines, it is essential to note the following points:
Filing Fees: Generally, there are no filing fees required for criminal cases, including rape cases. The State, through the Office of the Prosecutor, assumes the responsibility of prosecuting the case once probable cause is determined.
Affidavit Preparation Costs: While filing fees are not required, there may be incidental costs associated with the preparation of sworn statements or affidavits. However, these costs are typically minimal and may be waived for indigent complainants.
Legal Representation: The Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) provides free legal assistance to those who cannot afford private legal counsel. This service ensures that the victim’s financial status does not hinder their access to justice. Victims of rape can approach PAO for comprehensive legal support, from drafting affidavits to representation during trial.
It's likely this mother thinks filing a case would cost money because she knows in the Philippines justice is bought and sold. The tragedy is that this woman cannot trust the Department of Justice to do its job.
What an indignity it would be for the mother to have to file the charges herself. It should be the DOJ who shoulders that burden. Hopefully they do file the charges and the man spends the rest of his life in prison.
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