Man admits raping, killing 1-year-old boy in Makati

MANILA, Philippines — The suspect in the alleged rape and killing of a one-year-old boy, who was later found in an abandoned building in Makati City Wednesday morning, has admitted committing the gruesome crime.

According to 28-year-old Gerald Reparip, he choked the victim after carrying out the alleged rape Tuesday night, leading to the boy’s immediate death.

READ: 1-year-old found dead in Makati after allegedly being raped by man

“Kung nagawa ko po ‘yun pasensya na po. Nadala lang po ng alak (If I was able to do that, I am sorry. I was just drunk),” he said while being questioned by Col. Rogelio Simon, Makati City Police chief, before reporters.

Asked what he specifically did to the victim, Reparip said, “Pinagsamantalahan ko po (I raped him),” before admitting that he choked the child.

The victim, who was earlier noticed as missing by his relatives, would later be found by his grandmother lying on the 7th floor of the abandoned building along Yakal Street in Barangay San Antonio at around 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

(2/3) The suspect, who himself has a 7-year-old son, admitted raping the infant. He said he choked the victim afterwards that led to the child’s death. @inquirerdotnet pic.twitter.com/WmcxicNI1S

— Cathrine Gonzales (@cgonzalesINQ) July 17, 2019

Initial investigation showed the victim’s grandfather was celebrating his birthday and was having a drinking session on the second floor of the abandoned building, of which the victim’s relatives served as caretakers.

The grandfather’s brother-in-law then invited the suspect, a construction worker from Muntinlupa, to join the drinking session.

Reparip, who himself has a seven-year-old child, said intoxication drove him to commit the crime. He denied however being a user of illegal drugs.

When he was arrested, police found from the suspect his blood-stained underwear.

At the Makati City Police Station, the victim’s 19-year-old father swung a punch at the suspect, causing a small head wound.

Simon said the suspect, who is now under the custody of the Makati City Police, will be facing a complaint of rape with homicide. The suspect will also be made to take a test for illegal drug use, police said. /muf