American indicted for child abuse

CEBU, Philippines - An American National is facing criminal charges in court for alleged child abuse.

Jonathan Wade Stoker, 49, was accused of violating Republic Act 7610, otherwise known as Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Stoker was caught in the company of a minor in public place. He allegedly touched the knee of the 14-year-old girl with lustful intent and against her will.

Prosecutor Noel Cellona found probable cause to elevate the case to the court and recommended P120,000 bail for Stoker’s temporary liberty.

Stoker waived his right to avail of preliminary investigation and opted to face the charges directly in court.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by a 14-year-old resident of Carcar City. The victim said that on October 30, she was with her auntie on board a mini bus from Carcar City on their way to Lipata in Minglanilla when they befriended the accused.

She said Stoker offered her bottled water after she felt dizzy because she was not used to travel. The accused invited them to a fast food chain outlet in Naga City where Stoker allegedly tried to show her some pictures of the beaches in the south.

Since there was no Internet connection, the accused failed to show it to her. From Naga City they boarded an air-conditioned bus with WIFI connection going to Cebu City.

The accused reportedly sat beside her and confessed that he likes her while fondling her knee in lustful manner. The accused reportedly said he will bring the victim to the beaches in the south.

Upon reaching the South Bus Terminal, however, the members of the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking accosted the accused for being in the company of the minor.

Upon investigation, the minor confessed to the police everything Stoker did to her while in the bus, resulting in the arrest of the suspect.— (FREEMAN)