Raps filed vs student for ‘molesting’ minor

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) here is waiting for the result of the evaluation of the City Prosecutor’s Office on the complaint filed by a minor against a student for allegedly molesting her.

Police Captain Christine Cerbo, WCPD officer-in-charge, said the victim, whose name and age were withheld, has filed a criminal complaint before the City Prosecutor’s Office on December 12 for violation of Republic Act (RA) 8353 or the “The Anti-Rape Law of 1997,” in relation to RA 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”

Cerbo said the complaint shall be evaluated for a specific period before it will be elevated to the court.

“Kung ma prove na guilty ang party, ang case masaka na sa court,” she added.

She said the case is now under preliminary investigation.

The complaint came after the victim reported to the police on December 10 that one of her companions in a bar allegedly sexually molested her on December 8.

The victim found out about it on December 9 when a video showing the alleged sexual molestation went viral on social media.

Cerbo said the victim was drunk when the alleged incident happened. She just tagged along with a female friend at that time, and it was also the first time that she met the suspect and three other men. These four men were friends of the victim’s female friend.

Based on the video, three men were seen laughing while the suspect was allegedly molesting the victim who was already unconscious due to drunkenness.

“Nahuya gid siya (victim), amo to nag report gid siya sang nabal-an niya na may nag viral na video involving her,” Cerbo said.

Cerbo said the medical results of the victim came out on December 11, but she did not elaborate further. She said those persons involved in the video did not reach out to the authorities.

Aside from the suspect, Cerbo said these other persons might also be held accountable, depending on the assessment of the complaint. She said the suspect was not arrested because the incident was later reported, and it was no longer included in the hot pursuit operation.

Following this incident, Cerbo reminded teenagers and young adults to avoid drinking too much alcohol even if they are with their friends. Instead, they should prioritize their studies, she said.