Rape try on teenaged mother foiled

MANILA, Philippines - A fruit vendor’s attempt to rape a young mother was foiled when she screamed for help, catching the attention of passersby in Caloocan City at dawn yesterday.

Police identified the suspect as Venjie Barcelona, 18, of Malolos street, Bagong Barrio, North Caloocan.

The 16-year-old victim told investigators that she had just bought pan de sal from a nearby bakery when the suspect suddenly grabbed her.

At knifepoint, the suspect dragged her to his cart and started caressing her. When Barcelona was undressing her, the victim shouted at the top of her voice.  

For fear that he would be mobbed by a group of men rushing to the victim’s aid, the suspect released her and escaped. Barcelona was nabbed in a follow-up operation.