A HOUSEBOY is facing 71 counts of rape before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Davao City for sexually abusing a six-year-old boy between May to August of last year.
Facing charges for violation of the Republic Act 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997 is Roger (identity withheld to protect the victim), a houseboy who hails from North Cotabato. He was charged after he was accused of sexually assaulting Adrian (identity withheld for being a minor), a six-year-old elementary student and a resident of Buhangin, Davao City.
Prosecutor Gaye Cañete-Magdagasang found probable cause to charge Roger based on the sworn statement of Adrian to the Buhangin police Women and Children's Protection Desk (WCPD) and the complaint of the victim's mother.
Adrian told police that the series of molestation started on May 7, 2013 and lasted until August 13 of the same year.
He said the routine was Roger would fetch him from school in the afternoon during weekdays. But before taking Adrian home, he would molest him first in a vacant lot beside their house.
The victim told police that the suspect asks him to touch his private part and forced the victim to orally stimulate him.
The mother of the victim, in her affidavit, said that they found out about the incident when their son said he will be sharing a secret between him and Roger on August 14. It was then when the father of Adrian forced him to tell the truth. Unfortunately, police were not able to arrest Roger as he left on August 13.
Magdagasang, in her resolution, said Roger may be charged with rape by sexual assault and it has amounted to 71 counts as she included all the instances of molestation between May 7 to August 13 excluding the weekends.
The case has yet to be raffled off to a branch of RTC as it is still with the Office of the Clerk of Court. (RSA)