Sisters file abuse complaint vs. American "missionary"

CEBU, Philippines – Two siblings who were among those allegedly molested by a 69-year-old American missionary in Madridejos town yesterday filed a formal complaint against the American before the provincial prosecutor’s office.

The two siblings, ages 15 and 11, were assisted by their mother and the Children’s Legal Bureau, including a representative from the American Embassy in filing the complaint against Gary Lee Rohn.

Rohn is facing charges for Acts of Lasciviousness in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the Anti- child Abuse Law and R.A. 9231 or worst form of child labor.

Rohn was arrested by the police last week for keeping seven minors inside his house in Sitio Pabrika, barangay Talangnan, Madridejos.

Among the seven minors rescued by the police were the complainants who claimed to have been molested by Rohn.

Rohn claimed to be a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints and said he is doing charity works in Madridejos. The church’s leadership in Cebu, however, disowned him.

The complainants said they lived in the house of Rohn, who got married to their aunt, because the suspect was the one sending them to school. They said they were made to do household chores in exchange for their schooling and for the support Rohn gave their family.

Later, however, Rohn allegedly started abusing them sexually by touching their private parts and even kissing their lips.

The victims said they felt helpless but continued to stay with the suspect because of poverty. They said that they felt beholden to Rohn for helping their family and for supplying their daily needs.

The 15-year-old victim said she decided to file a complaint against Rohn to exonerate her parents from allegations that they “knowingly expose me to Gary’s evil-doing against children.” Authorities have reportedly been “grilling” her parents. — Fred P. Languido/JMO (THE FREEMAN)