16-year-old Bukidnon mom pursues rape case vs soldier

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A 16-year-old mother from Kitaotao, Bukidnon, has sued a soldier for rape and two more military men for allegedly serving as accomplices in the crime.

The women’s group Gabriela said it lauded the courage of the victim – identified only as “Jessa” – and vowed to back her in her quest to seek justice.

“Nobody deserves rape. Nobody ever deserves to suffer from the hands of the soldiers or from any man in uniform. That is why I am fighting for my right, as well as for those who became victims of sexual violence,” Jessa said during a press conference hosted by Gabriela here on Tuesday.

Jessa said that on Nov. 17, she was breastfeeding her baby inside their house in Sitio Maloos in Barangay Sinuda, when a soldier barged in.

The soldier, whom she identified as Private First Class Benjie Blancada of the 84th Infantry Battalion, allegedly covered her face with a pillow.

As she weakened with the loss of air, Blancada allegedly forced himself into her and raped her.

“After the incident, Blancada ran away,” she said.

Jessa said she saw two other soldiers outside the house serving as lookout.

She said the three were laughing as they fled.

“I cannot forgive what Benjie Blancada has done to me. I want him behind bars. I want him to realize that it is so wrong to force himself on any minor or adult woman. I want his madness to end. He must not victimize anybody again,” Jessa said in the vernacular.

She said she learned that Blancada had raped other women in the village as well.

But other victims were apparently afraid or had amicably settled with the soldier, which was why no case had been brought against him.

“I am determined to push my case against Blancada, hoping that this will serve as a warning to other soldiers and police to end their violence against women and children. My case also serves as an inspiration to those VAW victims to stand and fight,” Jessa said. VAW stands for violence against women.

Gabriela said the rape of women by soldiers and other uniformed personnel was not a new thing. Last year, a 16-year-old girl was also reportedly raped, not once but twice, by soldiers in Oriental Mindoro.

“If these perpetrators will remain scot-free, there will be more VAW victims,” Mary Ann Sapar, Gabriela spokesperson for Southern Mindanao, said.

Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, commander of the 10th Infantry Division, has said the military does not condone criminal acts allegedly committed by government forces.

“We do not condone such acts allegedly committed by troops. Erring troops once proven guilty will be punished accordingly,” Año said.

He said that in the case of Jessa, the 84th Infantry Battalion has committed to cooperate with the investigating body for the resolution of her complaint.

Año also urged other rape victims to file charges against their soldier-perpetrators. With a report from INQUIRER Mindanao

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