TWO men who allegedly attacked a pregnant woman in the City of Naga, Cebu were charged with rape.
Supt. Brindo Nacario, City of Naga police cahief, said that Leonardo Labrado, 38, and his brother Nelson, 26, remained with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Naga.
Their bail was set at P120,000 each.
Nacario said that the police are still looking into the claim that five other persons raped Maria (not her real name), who is five months pregnant.
He said that based on their interview, Maria identified only the two suspects who are currently detained.
In the meantime, Maria’s husband and four-year-old child are being considered for a witness protection program of the Provincial Women’s Commission’s (PWC).
Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said the PWC is trying to arrange for an interview and counseling for the four-year-old, who reportedly witnessed the attack on his mother.
A two-year-old child was also in the house when Maria, 34, was raped last at 10 p.m. the other Sunday, while her husband was away at work.
Magpale said that PWC consultant Heddah Largo has texted her about the need for a supplemental affidavit from the husband, to strengthen the case.
“Wa gani gibutang sa police nga pregnant. Mo-weaken man gud ang case kung wa ni (The police did not indicate that the woman is pregnant. The case will be weak if there is no affidavit from the husband),” the vice governor said.
Magpale mentioned the attack, and the PWC’s role in assisting the family, during her report in the Women’s Congress last Saturday.