Suspect in baby’s rape-slay charged

MANILA, Philippines - Police have filed charges of rape with homicide against a vendor who allegedly raped and killed an 11-month-old girl whose body was found under a parked jeepney in San Juan on Aug. 1.

Charged before the San Juan City prosecutor’s office was Arnel Tumbali, alias Digoy or Pakastoy.

Police submitted as evidence video footage showing Tumbali kissing the victim before carrying her to the area where her body was found.

The first video footage shows the baby sleeping beside her mother and father.

Tumbali was shown kissing the girl several times. When she woke up and crawled to her mother, the suspect grabbed her and left.

Another video footage shows Tumbali walking along the street carrying the girl.

Police said witnesses have testified seeing Tumbali holding the girl while she was still alive.

Tumbali, a former worker at a repair shop on Don Ejercito street, Barangay Tigaban, disappeared after the victim’s body was discovered under a parked jeepney.

Mayor Guia Gomez has offered a P100,000 reward for the arrest of the suspect.

Policemen received tips on the possible whereabouts of Tumbali. But subsequent verification produced negative results.