Councilman nabbed for abusing girl

CEBU, Philippines - A 72-year-old barangay councilman in Barili was arrested Friday afternoon for allegedly abusing a girl.

Councilman Jose Vergara of Barangay Rafael was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Leopoldo Cañete of the Regional Trial Court Branch 60 in Barili.

Barili police led by SPO4 Edward Villaester served the warrant and arrested the suspect past 3 p.m.

SPO2 Zaldy Urello of Barili Police Station said the girl and her mother filed a complaint against the suspect for allegedly touching the private parts of the victim sometime this year.

Urello said the incident happened inside the store owned by the suspect.

The suspect is now detained at the Barili Police Station facing a charge for acts of lasciviousness.

Urello said the suspect will be taken tomorrow to the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

If the suspect could not post the P80,000 bail, he will be detained at the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC). — Niña G. Sumacot/LPM   (FREEMAN NEWS)