Parañaque gang rape suspect surrenders

MANILA, Philippines - A man suspected of participating in a gang rape that allegedly occurred in Barangay San Isidro, Parañaque City on Jan. 1 surrendered to the police yesterday morning.

Senior Superintendent Alfredo Valdez, Parañaque police chief, said Niño Abondo, 23, gave himself up to policemen after he learned that a manhunt was launched for him and his five other companions for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl.

Abondo, a messenger, denied he was among those who raped the victim. He said he remembers drinking several bottles of liquor with neighbors, aged 20 to 25 years old, at a vacant lot in Fortunata Village at around 4 a.m.

Valdez identified Abondo’s companions as Jimmy Benigno, Roderick Necerio, Anthony Martinez, Jun-jun Cordivilla, a certain Mac-Mac. A woman, identified only as Rita, is said to have joined the drinking spree.

According to initial reports, the group was engaged in a drinking session when the victim passed by. Abondo and his companions allegedly invited the victim to drink, and raped her when she got drunk.

Appropriate charges are being readied against Abondo, who is now detained at the police station.