A 19-YEAR-OLD woman from Cebu City, who accused singer Noven Belleza of rape, now wants to withdraw the case she filed against him in July.
In her one-page affidavit of desistance, the complainant told Judge James Stewart Himalaluan that she is no longer interested to pursue the rape case against Belleza.
“After my sober and soul searching assessment and analysis of this case, I have realized that I have reached the point that I am no longer interested in pursuing the case due to inordinately adverse effects it brought to me and my family,” read the complainant’s affidavit.
Belleza, 21, of Bacolod City, is facing a criminal case for allegedly sexually assaulting a fellow entertainer on the eve of the concert of comedian Vice Ganda last July 16.
Prosecutor Ma. Theresa Casiño found evidence to charge Belleza with rape under Article 266-A, paragraph 2 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 8353 (sexual assault).
Belleza stepped out of the detention cell last July 19 after posting P120,000 bail before the Regional Trial Court.
Belleza, the grand champion of ABS-CBN’s “Tawag ng Tanghalan” singing competition, allegedly tried to rape the complainant, who is also his fellow singer, prior to the concert at the IEC Pavillion in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.
The complainant asked for permission to use the toilet inside Belleza’s room.
When she got out, Belleza allegedly held her arms and pulled her towards him. The woman said she tried to resist, but Belleza overpowered her.
Although confused, the woman said she heeded the advice to report the incident to the police and to seek justice.
The woman said that Belleza even pleaded with her not to pursue the filing of the complaint against him.
In her affidavit, the complainant said she is waiving the criminal action against Belleza.
“In my earnest desire to achieve peace of mind, I am permanently withdrawing my complaint against the accused,” read the complainant’s affidavit prepared by her lawyer Janice Lape. (GMD)