3 charged over girl's rape in Rizal

MANILA – Three men have been charged over the rape of an 11-year-old girl in Tanay, Rizal last Monday. Rommel dela Cruz and his two cohorts, Bernie and Bernard dela Carsada, have been charged with statutory rape and violation of Republic Act 7610 or (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act). Police earlier said suspect dela Cruz and the dela Carsadas had just come from a drinking session when they barged into the house of the victim in Sitio Dayapa, Barangay Sampaloc last January 27. The suspects allegedly tied up the victim's 8-year-old sister. They then brought the victim to a nearby well where the alleged rape took place. Police said only dela Cruz, 38, raped the girl while his cohorts watched from a distance. The suspects immediately ran away after hearing the victim's older brother searching for her. They were eventually arrested based on the victim's younger sibling's testimony. Dela Cruz refused to comment on the allegation, while the dela Carsadas denied any involvement in the crime. The victim was brought to a hospital in Rizal for treatment. Social workers were also sent to check on the psychological welfare of the victim and her younger sister. – report from Kori Quintos, ABS-CBN News