2 men charged for raping girl, 8

CEBU, Philippines — For allegedly raping an eight-year-old girl, two men are facing charges before the court.

Prosecutor II Fatima Asjali-Maadil of the Cebu City Prosecutor’s Office held a 70-year-old man and a 28-year-old for trial after finding probable cause for rape.

“The allegation of the complainant is worthy of belief and respondent(s) failed to establish that complainant had any ill-motive to falsely testify and impute a serious crime against (them),” read the resolution.

No bail was recommended against the suspects. The FREEMAN is withholding their names to protect the identity of the victim, who is their neighbor.

In her sworn statement, the minor alleged that sometime in August 2017, her friend told her that they would ask for money from the 70-year-old accused.

While inside the house, she claimed being raped by the former. After the incident, she was given money.

The minor further said aside from the aforementioned date, she cannot count anymore the number of  times that she was allegedly raped by the accused.

Aside from the 70-year-old man, the minor also alleged that she was also raped by a 28-year-old man.

In her sworn statement, she said the accused raped her sometime in October 2017, when she was brought in his house.

The minor said she accepted the invitation of the accused after he promised to give her money. The incident, she said, happened many times.

Maadil summoned both suspects to file their respective counter-affidavits but failed. Thus, the complaints were submitted for resolution.

Maadil also found reasonable ground to believe that the crime was committed and that both accused were probably guilty.  (FREEMAN)