Cops confirm case of ‘lumad’ girl’s rape

DAVAO CITY, Philippines—Police authorities have confirmed reports by human rights activists that a 14-year-old Manobo girl was raped by three soldiers in Talaingod, Davao del Norte province.

The crime was among the cases of human rights violations blamed by Karapatan and other groups on soldiers deployed in Manobo communities in Davao del Norte and nearby Bukidnon province, forcing families to leave their houses out of fear. At least 700, including the girl and her family, have taken shelter at a facility being run by the Protestant church here.

Senior Supt. Aaron Aquino, deputy chief for police operations in Southern Mindanao, told reporters on Wednesday that police probers found that three military men raped the girl, but did not provide other details, including the date of the crime.

Aquino said two of the suspects had been identified, but only gave their aliases, “Galot” and “Daniel.” Parents of the victim refused to sue them after agreeing to a money settlement amounting to P63,000 with them, he said.

Despite the deal, the police will pursue the charges against the suspects. “The police will serve as the complainant … documents are now being prepared for the filing of charges against alias Galot and alias Daniel,” Aquino said.

Col. Ricardo Nepomuceno, commander of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, which has jurisdiction over Davao del Norte, said the military would cooperate with the police investigation. Allan Nawal, Inquirer Mindanao