Man arrested for raping blind 11-year-old who recognized him by voice

A 57-year-old man in Calumpit, Bulacan was arrested on Tuesday after raping an 11-year-old girl inside her home.

The victim's grandfather accused Romeo Tadero of slipping something into his glass during their drinking session so he could take advantage of the child.

"Dalawang inom ko lang, nahilo na ko, bulagta, pinagsamantala mo, t-----a mo," the 72-year-old said in the exclusive report by John Consulta on 24 Oras.

One of the victim's family members was not able to stop herself from hitting Tadero, as seen in the footage of the confrontation.

Considered a close family friend, the suspect frequently visited the victim's home.

At the time of the incident, only the girl and her grandfather were home apart from Tadero. The child said Tadero entered her room and molested her.

The girl, who is blind, recognized Tadero by his voice.

"Sabi niya pa po, gusto niya po akong ligawan, tinataas ko po 'yung short ko, sabi ko ayaw ko po," said the minor.

"Papatayin niya daw po ako 'pag nagsumbong," she added.

The victim said Tadero did not stop until her older sister came into the room, witnessed the incident and started yelling.

Authorities said the suspect timed the act when the child's parents were away at work in Cavite.

"Talagang pinlano niya na balak niyang samatalahin, kasi mag-isa lang 'yung lolo sa kwarto sa bahay," said Cainta's Chief of Police, P. Supt. Santos Mera.

Tadero confessed to the crime and faced his charges for child abuse.

When asked of his motive, Tadero said "Sabi ko mahal ko siya...inaako ko kasalanan ko." — Margaret Claire Layug/BM, GMA News