A 13-year-old boy accused of raping and killing an eight-year-old girl in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Novaliches, Quezon City, will face criminal charges despite being a minor.
The Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) filed the charges on Tuesday, August 5.
“The case of rape with homicide was referred to the city prosecutor’s office,” said QCPD CIDU chief P/Lt. Col. Edison Ouano.
This, after the suspect allegedly admitted that he strangled the girl to death.
“Doon sa testimony niya po ang pagkakasabi niya sa amin noong gabi na ‘yun ay sinakal niya lang. Pagkasakal niya, nawalan ng malay. Doon na po ginawa siguro ‘yung hindi dapat mangyari,” Barangay Sta. Lucia chairman Ruel Marpa said.
The suspect has been brought to the Molave Youth Home while waiting for the city prosecutor’s decision on the case.
Meanwhile, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC) said the suspect will undergo appropriate legal proceedings and may still be held accountable through intervention and civil actions, even though he is below the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
“Ayaw kong pangunahan si judge, pero kung pagbabasehan natin ang batas, madi-dismiss ‘yun dahil wala siyang criminal liability… Pero hindi ibig sabihin noon na walang pananagutan,” said JJWC Executive Director Tricia Clare Oco.
Despite public pressure, the JJWC maintained that the law must be followed.
Under the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, only minors aged between 15 and 18 who act with discernment may be held criminally liable.
The victim’s grandmother believes the suspect should be treated as an adult.
“Talaga dapat tratuhing adult kasi nag-deny siya na kunyari wala siyang kaalama-lam, sumama pa siya sa paghahanap. Ganun ba ang bata? Hindi ganun ang bata,” she said.
The suspect can be placed under the custody of Bahay Pag-asa for rehabilitation, and civil charges can also be filed against the suspect’s family. (Allysa Nievera)
