DOJ finds probable cause to file raps vs. Australian in Mindanao child trafficking cases

The Department of Justice will file charges in court against an Australian national in connection with the killing a 12-year-old girl and trafficking others in Northern Mindanao.

In a resolution, Assistant State Prosecutor Jinky Dedumo found probable cause to charge Peter Gerard Scully with the following offenses:

-eight counts of qualified trafficking in persons
-nine counts of child abuse
-five counts of indecent shows, obscene exhibitions and publications
-five counts of syndicated child pornography
-four counts of child pornography
-25 counts of photo and video voyeurism
- six counts of rape by sexual assault (instrument or object rape)
- two counts of rape by sexual intercourse

The DOJ dismissed the murder complaint by the National Bureau of Investigation as this was already absorbed in the qualified trafficking charges "being a resultant effect of the acts of trafficking perpetrated against said victim."

The Australian's former live-in partner, Liezyl Margal, will face charges of qualified trafficking, child abuse, indecent shows, obscene exhibitions and publications, syndicated child pornography, photo and video voyeurism and rape by sexual assault.

"Scully and Margallo groomed the minor children by making them watch sex videos and photographs through the house computers to prepare them for sexual activity... thereby subjecting the said minor children to conditions prejudicial to their growth and development," the resolution read.

Qualified trafficking charges will also be filed against Christian Rouche, Alexander Lao, Haniel Caetano de Oliveira, Marshall Ruskin and Ma. Dorothea Chia.

Scully was arrested in Malaybalay, Bukidnon, on February 20, 2015 after the NBI found out that he allegedly victimized young girls in Cagayan de Oro City and Bukidnon.

He is also accused of murdering a girl, whom he allegedly strangled and then buried under his rented house.

The Australian national is reportedly a fugitive in Australia where he is facing charges for fraud. Scully has also been accused of broadcasting sexual acts involving children.

Scully fled from Australia to the Philippines to escape the charges in 2011.

The NBI has said he set up his cybersex operations and offered food and money to lure children into having sex with him and then selling the footage on the internet. —NB, GMA News