Three cases filed vs. Aussie accused of keeping minors

CEBU, Philippines - Despite his denial, Naga City prosecutor Napoleon Alburo found probable cause to charge an Australian accused with keeping minors as sex slaves for three cases before the Regional Trial Court.

In the resolution penned by Alburo he found sufficient evidence to elevate the cases for qualified human trafficking, seven counts of violation of Section 5(b) of Article III of Republic Act 7610 or those who commit the act of sexual intercourse or lascivious conduct with a child below 12 year-old, and violation of Section 10(b) Article VI of RA 7610 or person who shall keep a minor below 12 year-old in any public or private place.

Alburo recommended no bail for qualified human trafficking and P200,000 bail for each count of the other two violations.

He said the denial of the Australian he had been harboring minor girls for prostitution and sexual abuse cannot give credit to the declarations and admission of four rescued minor girls.

“Prior to the implementation of the search warrant, Naga City police received reliable information that the Australian had been harboring, keeping and maintaining minor girls in his house at Sitio Sto. Niño, Inayagan, Naga City and in fact at the time of the service of the search warrant they were able to rescued four minors girls aged 14 and 15,” Alburo said.

In his counter-affidavit, the Australian admitted the minor girls were his working students and sent them to school and allowed them to stay and sleep in his house out of pity, but denied harboring them for sexual exploitation.

“The minor girls could freely move in and out of my house. They were not held captive, they were not chained, handcuffed or imprisoned and the gate was wide open during daytime,” he said.

He added the minor girls even jumped over the fence to get inside the house whenever the gate was closed. One of the 14-year-olds and her mother executed a joint affidavit alleging that the girl was invited by her cousin, who was also one of those rescued, to work in the house of the Australian.

She said her cousin told her that she would be given a P1,500 monthly salary to clean the house.

However, she said the Australian made them his sex slaves during their stay there.

Another victim, a 15-year-old said they were “reserved girls for sex, each waiting for their turn with anxiety.”

She added they were used by the Australian in intervals until his arrest last July 20. — (FREEMAN)