A 60-year-old construction worker was arrested in Baseco, Manila on Saturday for allegedly repeatedly raping his 14-year-old stepdaughter.
The abuse, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Emmanuel Gomez, began when the victim was 11. The girl was unable to report the abuse due to threats on her life and fear of being denied an education.
The rapes allegedly occurred three times a month for three years, with the most recent incident on June 17, 2024. After this incident, the victim ran away from home and missed a week of school. Her teacher, noticing her absence, investigated and learned of the abuse. The teacher, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), reported the case.
The victim’s biological father filed a complaint with the Baseco police after being informed by the DSWD.
The suspect, currently in custody at the Baseco Police Station, denies the accusations and faces charges of statutory rape.
This is the fourth rape arrest in Baseco this year. The victim is now under her father’s care and receiving psychosocial support. Police reiterate their commitment to assisting victims of abuse.
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