Australian arrested for rape allegations

CEBU, Philippines - A 60-year-old Australian national was arrested by the Toledo City Police after his 17-year-old caretaker accused him of raping her last Sunday.

The complainant also alleged that the suspect tried to rape her again yesterday morning.

In a telephone interview, PO1 Diomelen Abarquez of the Cebu Provincial Police Office Operations Branch said the suspect was identified as Lawrence John William, 60, a resident of Barangay Poblacion in the town.

Abarquez said the victim, a native of Negros Oriental, sought their help yesterday afternoon and alleged that William tried to rape her at around 5:30 a.m. yesterday.

In a separate phone interview, SPO2 Liza Maquidato of the Toledo City Women’s Desk told The Freeman that the girl worked as caretaker of William’s house and the Australian sends her to school. Yesterday, the man allegedly tried to rape her inside the house.

“Maoy ingon sa biktima nga gi-rape siya sulod sa balay unya gisulayan siya og rape adtong Domingo unya gi-usban na sad gahapon sa buntag (That’s what the victim said…that she was raped in the house last Sunday and the man tried to rape her again yesterday),” Maquidato said.

After hearing the girl’s statements, the Toledo City police immediately went to William’s house and arrested him. 

“Didto ra man ni siya masikop sa iyang balay (He was arrested at his house),” said SPO4 Carmelito Hornales.

Maquidato said charges are set to be filed against William today. – (FREEMAN)