Man arrested for abusing his stepdaughter

CEBU, Philippines – A man accused of raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter in Talisay City, Cebu was arrested at her residence last Friday, July 26, 2024.

The National Bureau of Investigations Central Visayas Regional Office (NBI CEVRO), together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development-7, rescued the young girl from the clutches of her 32-year-old stepfather who allegedly raped and beat her for nearly six years.

Freeman withheld the suspect’s name to protect the identity of the victim and her family.

The case stemmed from a complaint filed by the parents of one of the victim’s classmates. NBI agents conducted further investigations with the victim’s teachers and classmates and found that the abuse allegedly started when she was just 8 years old.

“We discussed it with the classmate who was clear that he was a victim. “Once we are convinced that it is abuse, harassment or rape, it is time to respond to the situation,” Atty. Wenceslao Galendez of NBI-CEVRO told The Freeman.

On Friday afternoon, during the rescue operation, the victim stated that she was raped again by the accused on the same day between 2 and 3 a.m. During this time, the suspect was sitting on the ground, resisting arrest and was seen crying and screaming.

Upon further investigation, it emerged that the suspect had physically abused the minor. As punishment for her mistakes, he hit her and slapped her. He also threatened her to keep quiet about her situation, stressing that disclosure would have disastrous consequences for the family.

Galendez also noted that the child’s mother has been reticent to comment on the matter, expressing confusion about the situation.”

The suspect is a former Filipino migrant worker (OFW) and currently works as a virtual assistant from home. He is currently in the custody of the NBI-7 and was investigated before the Office of the Talisay City Prosecutor for rape of a minor.

The girl is currently in the care of DSWD-7. Yesterday, July 30, she celebrated her 14th birthday and continues to wish that her suffering will end and that her stepfather’s abuse will come to light.

Galendez stressed the importance of parents being extra cautious with their children and being alert to potential dangers, whether the threat comes from a family member or not.

“As parents of a child, they should take special precautions, especially if the child is in a situation where he or she is not really a biological child as a husband,” Galendez said. — (FREEMAN)