Man faces charges for child abuse, rape, human trafficking

CEBU, Philippines - A 42-year-old man is now in jail for soliciting sex for his 17-year-old live-in partner last Saturday evening in barangay Umapad, Mandaue City.

Roberto Malazarte, 42, single, of Purok Lemonsito, barangay Umapad was charged with child abuse, rape, and human trafficking.

Malazarte made a scene last Saturday evening inside the barangay Opao police station where the girl sought assistance.

Opao police station chief P Sr./Insp. Alfredo Ortiz Jr. said Malazarte’s live-in partner, accompanied by her two other minor friends, sought help when Malazarte attempted to deal her to a man for monetary considerations.

But just as the operatives of the Opao police station led by P/Insp. Wildon Abot was planning an operation to entrap Malazarte, the man arrived at the police station and demanded that the girl come home with him.

He even tried to grab the girl from the police but since the minor would not go with him, Malazarte began berating her and even threatening her with bodily harm and death.

He also made an effort to undress her claiming it was he who bought her dresses. Malazarte then grabbed her slippers.

The police may have had enough of his tantrums so that they handcuffed him and then detained him.

After his arrest, the minor told police that the suspect began raping him when she was still 15 years old and to save herself from shame she agreed to be his live-in partner and just recently she also heard of Malazarte’s plan to “sell” her services, including those of her two friends.

She and her two friends are now in the custody of the City Social Welfare Services.—Flor Z. Perolina   (FREEMAN NEWS)