Parents of baby rape victim to file case today

CEBU, Philippines - The parents of the four-month-old baby who was abducted and raped last week will likely be filing a formal complaint against suspect Jonathan Marfe today at the prosecutor’s office, said Chief Inspector Jose Liddawa, chief of Carcar City Police Station.

Liddawa added that the victim’s family is eager to file the case and attain justice for their baby who was allegedly abducted and raped by Marfe in Barangay Perrelos, Carcar City last week.

Aside from the carton with traces of blood and the suspect’s clothes as evidence, police are also waiting for the results of laboratory tests that can strengthen the case against Marfe.

Meanwhile, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale has assured the family that the provincial government will help them attain justice.

“We will see them through,” she said when asked by reporters if the Capitol would provide legal assistance to the family. Magpale, a strong advocate for women and children, currently sits as vice chairman of the Provincial Women’s Council.

Marfe, a 40-year-old native of Bohol, was arrested by policemen in Carcar City last Friday. The suspect resides near the victim’s house in Barangay Perrelos.

Although Marfe admitted he was drunk that night, he denied doing anything to the baby. The infant is the youngest of nine children.

Magpale said she will also lobby to Governor Hilario Davide III to help the family repair their small unfinished house with curtains serving as a door cover.

Magpale said windows and doors have to be installed to prevent the reoccurrence of the same heartrending incident.

“I think the reason why the suspect was able to enter the house is because it does not have a door,” she said.

Magpale would find time to visit the infant and her family soon. Davide, on the other hand, will pay them a visit Wednesday afternoon. —With report from Iris Mariani B. Algabre/JBB (FREEMAN)