14-year-old high school junior accuses Tokhang surrenderers of molestation

A 14-year-old high school junior was allegedly sexually molested in Calumpit, Bulacan on Wednesday evening by three suspects who earlier surrendered in the Philippine National Police's Oplan Tokhang.

Alias Rachel said she was on her way home around 7 p.m. when 33-year-old William Cantos, also known as Tuko, grabbed her into a red tricycle.

"[Hinawakan] niya po ako para po makasakay dun sa tricycle nila," Rachel said in an exclusive  report by GMA News' John Consulta on 24 Oras.

The victim said Cantos touched her thighs and privates.

Rachel's mother was unable to control her emotion upon seeing Cantos at the Calumpit Police Station.

"Wala kaming kinalaman sa pagbibisyo niyo, sa ginagawa niyo, para yung anak ko singilin niyo, idamay niyo, sirain niyo yung buhay. Wala ka bang sariling anak?" she said after slapping Cantos in the face.

"Masakit po, yung napapanood ko sa tv 'di ko akalaing mangyayari sa anak ko," she added.

The two other accomplices of Cantos were later arrested by the Calumpit Police.

The driver of the tricycle, Loydel Ayop, was unable to provide a clear answer why he failed to restrain Cantos.

Cantos, on the other hand, was quick to deny that he molested Rachel.

"Wala po akong ginagawang kasalanan. Wala po [akong hinihipuan]."

Meanwhile, Calumpit Police chief Sr. Supt. Santos Mera said all three suspects may have returned to their addiction to illegal drugs following their surrender in Oplan Tokhang.

Mera said authorities will immediate file charges against the suspects in violation of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

He also urged previous victims of the suspects to come forward and file a case.

"Baka kilala niyo ito, baka isa rin kayo sa mga nabiktima na ayaw lang magsabi o magsalita, pumunta lang kayo sa himpilan para magsampa sila ng kaso," Mera said. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/NB, GMA News