13-year-old suspect faces charges for allegedly raping, killing 8-year-old girl

A 13-year-old boy is facing criminal complaints for allegedly killing and raping his eight-year-old girl neighbor in Quezon City.

According to Raffy Tima’s report in “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the charges were filed by the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit. 

“The case of rape with homicide was referred to the city prosecutor’s office,” said  QCPD CIDU chief P/Lt. Col. Edison Ouano.  

The young suspect has been brought to the Molave Youth Home while awaiting the city prosecutor’s decision on the case. 

“Nakuwento niya na gusto niya gawin yung napanood niya tapos parang hindi pumayag yung biktima,” said Fairview Police Station Commander P/Lt. Col. Geronimo Dimayuga Jr. 

(He recounted that he wanted to do what he had watched, but it seemed the victim refused.) 

The victim’s grandmother said she finds it difficult to accept what happened to her granddaughter, especially when sher personally knows the suspect and his family. 

“Talaga dapat  tratuhing adult kasi nag-deny siya na kungyari wala siyang kaalama-lam, sumama pa siya sa paghahanap. Ganun ba ang bata? Hindi ganun ang bata,” said Cecilia Lopez.

(He should really be treated as an adult because he denied knowing anything, pretending to be clueless, and even joined the search. Is that how a child acts? A child doesn't act like that.) 

But the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council said that the case against the minor suspect could only be junked as the minimum age for criminal liability in the country is 15 years old. 

“Ayaw kong pangunahan si judge, pero kung pagbabasehan natin ang batas, madi-dismiss yun dahil wala siyang criminal liability. Dahil ang minimum age of criminal responsibility ay above 15 years old,” said executive director Tricia Clare Oco. 

(I don't want to preempt the judge, but if we base it on the law, that case will be dismissed because he has no criminal liability. That's because the minimum age of criminal responsibility is above 15 years old.) 

But it does not mean that people 15 years old below who commit a crime will not be held liable as they can be placed under the custody of Bahay Pag-asa for rehabilitation. Civil charges can also be filed against the suspect’s family, the report said. 

“Maari silang bayarin ng danos nung pamilya ng bata na nakapatay,” said Oco. 

(The family of the minor who committed the killing could be made to pay damages.) 

Further, the council noted that parents and guardians have the responsibility to guide their children. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/RF, GMA Integrated News