Erap donates P.3 M to rape-slay victim’s kin

MANILA, Philippines - Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said yesterday he gave P300,000 to the parents of a six-year-old girl who was raped and killed by her neighbor.

Estrada said the parents of Arlyn Joy Balolong have no money to pay for her funeral. He added that he will also help Balolong’s father get a job.

“I pity the victim. She is too young for what had happened to her,” he said.

He called on the government to restore the death penalty “in these kinds of cases. I will also provide lawyers to the victim’s family to ensure that the suspect is brought to justice. He should be sentenced to death.”

The girl’s body was found at a poorly lit lot in front of Plaza Dilao along Quirino Avenue Monday night. A neighbor, pedicab driver Mark Avila, 29, was arrested after a closed-circuit television video showed him in the company of the victim.

Avila reportedly told police he was high on drugs when he raped and killed the girl.