Construction hand accused of raping stepdaughter falls

CEBU, Philippines - A 48-year-old construction worker was arrested in barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City after he was accused of raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter several times.

Antonio Patalagan Briones, a native of Toledo City, was detained at the Mabolo Police Station since last Saturday following his arrest after the victim’s employer sought the assistance of the police.

Mabolo police chief Pablo Cabildo said they went to the subdivision where the victim works as a house helper and found the suspect with the victim crying. Cabildo said they immediately placed the suspect under arrest.

The victim, name withheld, told the police that Briones started raping her last February 11 when the suspect took her to his cousin’s house in Labogon, Mandaue City. The last time the suspect allegedly raped her was on Saturday evening when she was taken to his bunkhouse.

The suspect denied raping his stepdaughter claiming that they have a relationship and that whatever intimate moments they have together have the consent of the victim.

 “Nangutana man gani ko ana niya kung madawat ba ko niya kay tiguwang na man ko, ‘nya mi-ana man siya nga “ngano dili man madawat?” Mi-okay ra man sad siya,” the suspect told The FREEMAN.

Briones said that he has been separated from the victim’s mother for three months now but he continues to support them financially because they have two children and will soon deliver their third child.

The suspect’s daughter to his first wife defended her father saying that she does not believe the accusation against her father.

She claimed that her father and the victim had a relationship. In fact, it was allegedly the victim that kept on going in to his bunkhouse. She added that even their neighbors in Toledo City knew about it.

However, since the victim is a minor the suspect will still be charged with rape. – THE FREEMAN