Photo courtesy of PNP
Police arrested an 18-year-old man accused of raping a 13-year-old girl inside a residence in Barangay Santo Niño, Parañaque City, on Aug. 29.
Personnel from the Parañaque City Police Station Sub-Station 3 and barangay watchmen responded after the victim’s father discovered the suspect inside the residence and learned of the alleged assault.
Initial investigation indicated that the suspect allegedly lured the girl into a comfort room, where the sexual assault reportedly occurred.
The victim’s father subsequently sought assistance from barangay authorities, leading to the suspect’s arrest.
Police brought the suspect to the Parañaque City Police Station and turned him over to the Women and Children Protection Desk for investigation and proper disposition.
Authorities said they were preparing complaints against the suspect for violation of Republic Act No. 11648, which raised the age of sexual consent and amended provisions on statutory rape, in relation to Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police would continue pursuing cases involving crimes against children and urged authorities to remain responsive to reports involving minors.
“Kapag may batang nangangailangan ng proteksiyon, hindi tayo dapat mag-atubili. Ang kaligtasan ng mga bata ay pananagutan nating lahat,” Nartatez said.