Duterte says solid evidence lacking to identify Mariannet’s rapist
DAVAO CITY – Mayor Rodrigo Duterte yesterday said solid evidence is needed to determine the real culprit behind the rape of Mariannet Amper, the 12-year-old girl who reportedly killed herself by hanging last Nov. 2.
Amper was initially reported to have taken her life because of extreme poverty.
However, results of the autopsy on her exhumed remains showed lacerations in her genitals indicating she was raped.
“It has already been established that she has been raped. But as to the question of who did it to her, remains to be answered and that is the subject of the ongoing criminal investigation. There is nothing we can do if there is no evidence,” Duterte told The STAR.
Duterte said the strength of the case would be based on the testimonies of people who actually saw the act of penetration or one to whom Amper might have confided.
Duterte was also quick to point out that the public should not immediately conclude as to who committed the crime.
“In fairness to the family, there has been no strong evidence yet that would link any of the male members of the Amper family to the case,” he said.
Police investigators earlier said they are zeroing in on incestuous rape based on the initial probe, although this has yet to be proven.
Probers have also been talking with Amper’s teachers, classmates and friends at the Ma-a
Fr. Cenon Ampong, parish priest of the St. Francis of
Amper’s father, Isabelo, earlier lamented how he and his family have been subjected to harsh media speculations regarding Mariannet’s death.
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