15 boys accuse man of molestation, abuse

Fifteen males, aged seven to 13, reported to the Cordova Police station last Monday that they were allegedly sexually abused and molested by a 50-year-old man in Calan, Poblacion, Cordova town.

The victims identified the man as Tito Fred Batuon, a resident of the place who they said is a homosexual.

Cordova Police's women and children desk in charge, PO1 Michelle Baluyo told The FREEMAN that Batuon is also a dance instructor, a choreographer, and a stage play teacher.

She added that the parents of the victims were summoned today to present the birth certificates of the children that would be among the documents to be used in the filing of the cases.

Baluyo said initial investigation showed that the suspect's modus operandi is to wander first around the place at night allegedly to search for a boy. When the suspect sees one, Baluyo said, he usually calls the boy and then lures him for a sexual act. Some of his victims were students of the Cordova Central School while the others are out-of-school youth.

The boys have already prepared sworn statements with the help of Josefina Montebon of the Social Welfare Department, against Batuon.

The police are still looking for the suspect, who has reportedly moved to another residence in barangay Bangkal in Lapu-Lapu City - Norvie S. Misa