Man rapes special child

CEBU, Philippines - A resident of Barangay Pitalo, San Fernando is facing a criminal complaint before the Regional Trial Court for allegedly raping a special child.

 Freddie Anajada is accused of raping a 13-year-old girl under a bamboo tree in a bushy area in Sitio Bayabayon, Pitalo at noontime of September 2009.

 The victim’s mother filed the complaint in October last year, supported by affidavits from witnesses.

 Rolando Brogas, who also lives in the same place, testified against Anajada. In his affidavit, he said that the girl was behind him and Anajada as they were heading home.

 He alleged that Anajada called the girl and when the girl walked towards him, Anajada pulled her towards the nearby bushes and started undressing her.

 Another witness, Lilia Canoy, stated that the girl approached her that afternoon to tell her that Anajada gave her P20 in exchange for allowing him to touch her private parts.

 Anajada was issued a subpoena so he could submit his counter-affidavit in ten days. His mother, Juanita, received the notice but the authorities did not receive any answer from him. His failure to submit his counter-affidavit to refute the accusation is considered a waiver of his right to a preliminary investigation.

The prosecutor’s office recommended no bail for the accused.   (FREEMAN NEWS)