Farmer accused of attempted rape

CEBU - A 43-year-old farmer has been accused of attempting to rape a 35-year-old woman while they were gathering grasses in barangay Mangaco, Ginatilan town last Friday afternoon.

The suspect was identified as Tirso Bitong, single and a resident of the place while the victim was identified as Leonida Cuerda, also a resident of the place.

Investigation conducted by the police disclosed that the suspect invited the victim to go with him to gather grasses for their carabaos.

However, while gathering grasses near a cliff in the area, the suspect suddenly dragged the victim, undressed her and forcibly laid her down to the ground.

But upon her strong resistance, the victim successfully freed herself, ran away and shouted for help while the suspect rushed after her.

The victim sought the help of a certain Basilio Habagat, who was fetching water in a creek, and went home. She then went to the municipal office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

The suspect voluntarily surrendered and is now temporarily detained at the Ginatilan Police Station.

PO3 Eduard Villarte of the Ginatilan police said the suspect was drunk when the incident happened.

The police will file attempted rape charges against the suspect this morning at the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office. – Niña Chrismae G. Sumacot/LPM (THE FREEMAN)