Man faces rape case

CEBU, Philippines - A 75-year-old man was criminally charged in court after he was arrested Sunday for raping his mentally challenged relative in Barili.

Felixberto Navarro was arrested by the police after the mother of the 27-year-old victim reported the incident. Police Officer 1 Richard Cabatbat said that the victim’s mother told them that the accused brought the victim inside his barn at 2:00 p.m. last Sunday.

The incident was witnessed by a neighbor who expressed willingness to testify against the accused.

The victim’s mother said she did not expect the accused to have done it to her daughter because he was a distant relative.

The Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office yesterday elevated the complaint before the Regional Trial Court in Barili after conducting the inquest investigation. No bail was recommended for Navarro’s temporary liberty.

According to the police, Navarro had a similar complaint before but the victim agreed to amicable settlement at the barangay level.— (FREEMAN)