Sikad driver nabbed for sexual abuse

CEBU, Philippines - A 48-year-old trisikad driver was arrested for sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl along N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City yesterday midnight.

Perfecto Delos Santos Fernandez, a resident of Sitio Alegre, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City, was arrested by Basak San Nicolas barangay tanods Jeffrey Calumpang and Rey Murillo after two children reported that their friend whose name was withheld was sexually molested.

Police Officer 2 Ruby Sabandija said the mother of the victim reported that her daughter and four of her friends were sleeping in a dark and secluded area near a burger station when the incident happened.

Sabandija said the victim was awakened when she felt something was inserted into her private part. It was later learned that it was the suspect’s finger that was inserted.

Two friends of the victim were able to witness the incident and immediately reported to the barangay tanods who were conducting roving patrol that time.

Fernandez, who was reportedly drunk that time, passed by where the children were sleeping. He, however, denied the allegation.

Sabandija said the mother of the victim has reprimanded her daughter from staying outside especially late at night.

“Badlongon man daw iyang anak. Halos kada gabii mogawas sa balay human og panihapon. Kun badlongon man gani daw sa inahan, masuko (The child is reportedly hard-headed. She would go out of house almost every night after dinner. When the mother would stop her, she would turn angry),” Sabandija said.

The minor has undergone medical examination yesterday while her mother is set to execute an affidavit against the suspect today.

Fernandez is currently detained at Mambaling Police Station.  — (FREEMAN)