Australian national caught molesting girl

CEBU, Philippines - An Australian national who was earlier jailed for possession of illegal drugs is returned to prison for allegedly molesting a 10-year-old girl at around 8:35 Friday night.

Gary Frank Brough, 68 years old and currently residing at Barangay Langtad, Argao, was arrested after the victim’s uncle reportedly saw Brough molesting his niece outside their house.

PO2 Benjamin Gerozaga of Argao Police Station told The FREEMAN that the uncle was shocked to see the Australian stroking the private parts of his niece.

The uncle immediately reported the incident to a group of barangay tanods who later turned over the suspect to the police. 

The family of the girl will file a case against Brough tomorrow, Monday. Brough is currently detained at the Argao Police Station.

The police are also coordinating with the Australian embassy regarding Brough’s current case.

Gerozaga said Brough will probably face charges of acts of lasciviousness or for violating the provisions of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Gerozaga said that just last Tuesday, Brough posted a bail of P200,000 after he was caught possessing dried marijuana leaves when he visited Mary Ann and Lovely Comaling, who were detained for theft inside the town’s jail.

Brough had befriended the Comaling sisters when Brough was also detained last week for slander and unjust vexation, of which he also posted bail.

On the night that Brough visited the jail, he reportedly insisted to get inside even if it was already beyond the normal visiting hours.

The police later recovered from him a small plastic bag which contained a handful of dried marijuana leaves. (FREEMAN)