12-year-old told by mother not to report abuses by father

Authorities rescued a 12-year-old girl in Quezon City who was abused by her father, according to John Consulta’s “24 Oras” report on Wednesday.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Anti-Human Trafficking Division arrested the 41-year-old father, but said the victim's mother will also be held liable for telling her daughter not to report about the abuse.

The NBI said a classmate of the victim reported to their teacher the abuse, which happened inside their home.

“Nagsabi nga na totoo itong allegations na ito at humingi actually siya ng tulong, sinabi niya na ayaw na niyang umuwi ng bahay at natatakot siya sa kanyang tatay dahil sa paulit-ulit na pang-aabuso sa kanya,” NBI spokesperson Giselle Garcia Dumlao said.

“Yung nanay, kinasuhan din natin ng kasong child abuse because yung bata nagsumbong sa kaniyang nanay, pero sinabihan siya ng kanyang nanay na, tinakot siya actually ng nanay na huwag nang sasabihin sa iba. Lumalabas na complicit din yung nanay sa pang-aabuso doon sa bata,” Dumlao said.

The victim said her father abused her before going to school and when she comes home.

“Nung una, hinahawakan siya sa maseselang bahagi ng katawan hanggang naging mas malala itong mga sexual abuses na ginagawa sa kanya,” Dumlao said.

The father is facing qualified rape, rape with sexual assault, and child abuse charges.

“Na-tempt lang po ako sa kanya. Opo, nagsisisi na po nagusap na po kami ng aking pamilya, na hindi na po mangyayari,” the father said.

The NBI said the public should immediately report incidence of abuse to the police.

“Napakaimportante din na turuan natin yung mga bata to say no kapag may magtatangka na mang-abuso sa kanila, kahit sino man, kahit miyembro ng kanilang pamilya,” Dumlao said.

The public can contact Makabata Helpline from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Facebook page, its hotline numbers at 09603779863 or 09158022375, and email address at makabata1383@cwc.gov.ph.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News