Padilla vows to give justice to family of girl gang-raped by minors
Senator Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla has promised to bring justice to the family of a girl who was brutally raped and murdered—reportedly by fellow minors—in Jose Panganiban town in Camarines Norte province.
Padilla went to Jose Panganiban last weekend with Gov. Ricarte “Dong” Padilla, where he visited the family of the victim and met with her mother, who begged him for help.
Also with him were Vice Mayor Casimero “Kuatro” Padilla, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol regional director P/Brig. Gen. Westrimundo Obinque.
"Sana, Senador, mabigyan ng katarungan ang anak namin... kahit naghihirap kami pipilitin ko na mabigyan ng katarungan ang anak ko (Please Senator, we hope for justice for our daughter. Even if we expect a hard time, I will do everything to attain justice for my daughter)," the mother was quoted as saying.
For his part, Padilla lamented that the current law might not be enough to protect Filipino women. Because of this, the senator promised to strengthen existing laws to make sure such a heinous crime does not happen again.
When the time comes that a nation cannot protect its women, the end is near, Padilla said.
“Such inability of those in authority is a symbol of weakness. A fake morality is not supported by any writing)," he added.
“The law and justice of God is clear and fair. It does not distinguish between rich and poor,” he emphasized.
Gov. Padilla said the senator was shocked that such a heinous crime could happen involving minors.
The governor added he discussed with local authorities the drug situation in the area after receiving information that the perpetrators of the rape-murder were high on drugs at the time.
Senator Padilla and his party also went to the victim's burial place to offer prayers.
“Matindi ang pag-aalala natin maging si Senator Robin Padilla dahil hindi kilala ang ating lalawigan sa mga nakaririmarim na gawain tulad ng krimen na kinasangkutan ng mga kabataan (Senator Padilla and I are worried over such crimes involving youths). Isa lang po ang hangad namin ni Senator Robin sa ating mga kababayan, ang isang mapayapa at maginhawang buhay para sa Camarines Norte (Senator Robin and I hope to see a peaceful life for all in Camarines Norte),” the governor said.