Frat head charged with child abuse

CEBU - An alleged leader of a fraternity was indicted for violation of child abuse law after he allegedly molested a minor member of their group.

John Rey Villame, alias John Ray Villamil, was charged before the Regional Trial Court for violation of Article VI, Section 10 of the Republic Act 7610, and was ordered to pay P80,000 bail for his temporary liberty.

Villamil, an alleged leader of Tri-Alpha Fraternity, was originally charged with rape by a 14-year-old member of their fraternity before the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office. But assistant city prosecutor Lineth Lapinid only found probable cause to hold him for trial for child abuse.

The victim, whose name is withheld by The FREEMAN, alleged that sometime in the afternoon of November 9, 2007, she and her friend went to the house of the accused in barangay Pit-os upon the suspect’s invitation.

While at Villamil’s house, the victim said she was forced to drink liquor as “pakisama” with the other fraternity members.

The victim said that her friend got drunk and was led to a room by one of Villamil’s friends while she was also led by the accused to the same room.

According to the victim, Villamil touched her private parts while watching her friend and the male partner having sex inside the room. The victim said that Villamil then forced her to have sex with him.

The prosecutor’s office however did not find the evidence sufficient to warrant the filing of the case for rape.

However, considering that the victim is only 14 years old, the prosecutor found probable cause to indict him with child abuse. — Fred P. Languido/LPM (THE FREEMAN)