Court defers arraignment of human trafficking cases versus Australian

CEBU, Philippines - The Australian national charged with qualified trafficking for allegedly keeping four minors in his residence as sex slaves yesterday failed to appear in court for the arraignment of his case.

The accused, who is detained at the Naga City Jail, did not appear for the arraignment because the jail officials were not served of the subpoena. This prompted Regional Trial Court Branch 24 Judge Olegario Sarmiento to reset the arraignment on October 19.

Meanwhile, the Children’s Legal Bureau has made a minor amendment of the Information of the case.

Lawyer Jo-ann Pabriaga, who is assisting the victims, said that they have added another date in the Information where the accused sexually abused the minor victims.

 “We only added a date in the Information because there were two incidents of sexual abuses subsequent prior to the incident on June 20, 2011,” she said.

Pabriaga added the four victims aged 14 and 15 are doing fine in the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

“The victims were cared by the DSWD, so far so good they have no complaints in their stay and aside from that there is already a progress noticed by them,” she said.

She added they are ready for trial as they have strong evidence against the accused, aside from the testimonies of the victims. Among these pieces of evidence are the medical certifications from the doctor.

There were nine cases filed against the Australian, one for qualified human trafficking, seven counts of violation of sec 5(b) of Article III, Republic Act 7610 or child abuse and exploitation and violation of sec 10(b) Article V1, RA 7610.

The accused was arrested in July 20 at his residence in Naga City by the operatives of the Naga City Police Station. – (FREEMAN)