Arnis mentor charged for alleged rape of minor

BACOLOD City, Philippines  – A 37-year-old arnis instructor is facing multiple rape charges for allegedly sexually abusing her 14-year-old daughter-in-law for several years now.

Bacolod City Women’s and Children’s Complaints Desk case investigator Police Officer 3 Annabelle Abalayan said the instructor, whose name she withheld pending the release of an arrest warrant, is facing charges in violation of the child abuse law before the Bacolod City Prosecutor’s Office Wednesday.

Abalayan said the 14-year-old victim claimed that her stepfather started molesting her when she was still in Grade 3.

The minor added the suspect also raped her even if her mother was around, Abalayan said, adding that the victim met with her aunt last week and revealed her ordeal.

The aunt gave the victim a cellular phone so she could call if her stepfather would try to molest her again, Abalayan said.

And so last week, the victim called her aunt and asked for help when her stepfather attempted to molest her again, Abalayan said.

The victim’s aunt then sought the help of the WCCD operatives who arrested the suspect in a vacant lot in Barangay Alijis, Bacolod after he attempted to escape, she said.

Bystanders mauled the suspect during the chase thinking he was a thief, she said.

Abalayan said the victim also underwent a medical examination where it was found that she had lacerations on her private part.