Boy, 15, indicted for ‘raping’ cousin

CEBU, Philippines - A 15-year-old boy is facing charges before the court for allegedly sexually assaulting his eight-year-old cousin.

Associate Prosecution lawyer Jennifer Karen Alo-Leyson has found probable cause to indict the accused for violation of Republic Act No. 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 2004.

The FREEMAN is withholding the names of the victim and the accused due to the sensitive nature of the case.

 The incident took place on April 10 when the victim and her friend went to the house of another friend to watch a television show.

The accused and his friend also arrived at the house of the victim’s friend. They allegedly took off their shorts after the victim’s friend closed the door.

 The accused allegedly instructed the victim to perform oral sex.

The victim reportedly showed resistance but was compelled to comply because the accused did not allow her to leave. The accused allegedly touched her private part and to wash it after.

Leyson held that the instruction of the accused on the victim revealed haste which can be interpreted as meant to prevent being caught.

The accused also allegedly threatened to hit the head of the victim when he learned that the latter reported the incident to her friend’s grandmother.

 Leyson said the accused acted with discernment based on the evidence presented.

“These uncontroverted averments show measures undertaken to prevent discovery of the unlawful act, which supports a finding that the suspect acted with discernment,” the resolution read.

The accused failed to submit his counter-affidavit despite being summoned. Leyson recommended P120,000 bail. — (FREEMAN)