Epileptic girl in Kalinga raped; tribal war feared

BAGUIO CITY - The National Bureau of Investigation in Cagayan Valley filed rape charges against a Kalinga villager for raping a 17-year-old girl suffering from epileptic seizures beside a church. NBI Investigator III Norman Revita said that they are taking extra precaution in the case not only because of the age and medical condition of the child but also because the victim comes from the Mallango tribe. The NBI said that they are afraid the Mallango tribe members might exact vengeance on the suspect. Revita said that they have filed rape charges against Joel Oppil, who remains at large. It was not known what tribe the suspect belongs to but they said he is from Kalinga. A tribal war might ensue if this incident is not settled at once. According to the NBI, the victim was walking near the church in Mallango, Kalinga at about 7 pm last February 28 when Oppil allegedly grabbed her and brought her to the back of the Catholic chapel where he raped her. Revita said that they have affidavits from the victim's younger brother saying that he saw Oppil with only his pants on standing in front of the crying victim. A medico-legal certificate also attested that the victim was raped. - GMANews.TV