Man accused of raping minor

CEBU, Philippines - A man was charged of rape before the Regional Trial Court yesterday for allegedly taking advantage of a 12-year-old girl last April 2008.

The girl sought help to authorities after a few months of staying mum about the incident saying that she was threatened by the suspect after the incident happened.

The girl said that he was asked by his stepfather to call a neighbor at the house of the suspect Ruel Romarate, but when she got there the suspect told her to go upstairs.

Upon proceeding upstairs the suspect followed her and dragged and forced her to enter his room.

The girl narrated that the suspect was stronger than her and succeeded with his intention of raping her.

When she tried to go down and ask for the help of his stepfather, the suspect then threatened her not to tell anybody about the incident or he would kill her.

The girl was able to tell her teacher about the matter and the teacher was the one who told her mother about it.

The suspect, who filed a motion for extension of time to file his counter-affidavit failed to submit it on time likewise the filing of the case before RTC. — Jasmin R. Uy/BRP (THE FREEMAN)