A 27-year-old man was arrested by members of San Juan City Police for raping his minor niece back in 2018, the Eastern Police District (EPD) said.
The suspect was identified as "Peter," a resident of Barangay West Crame in San Juan City.
Peter was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 2 in Pasig City for the crime of rape.
Based on the police report, the crime happened in July of 2018 when the victim, who was just 15 years old that time, was engaged in a drinking session with the suspect, her friends, and her brother.
After falling asleep following the drinking party, the victim was woken up by the suspect and proceeded to rape her.
She and her parents immediately reported the incident to the police. However, the victim and her mother initially hesitated to file charges against the suspect as he is their relative.
In 2021, the victim's family decided to push through with the charges against Peter.
Peter is currently detained at the San Juan City Police Custodial Center.
EPD district director Gen. Villamor Tuliao lauded the San Juan City Police for the suspect's arrest.
“Ang mga karumal-dumal na pang-aabusong ito ay walang puwang sa ating lipunan, kaya’t marapat lamang na sila ay papanagutin sa kamay ng batas. Ako din ay nagpaparating ng isang malaking pagpupugay sa mga kapulisan ng San Juan City. Lagi nating ipamalas ang hustisya at mahusay na aksiyon laban sa karahasan at pang-aabuso (These heinous crimes have no place in our society, hence, we must swiftly bring those who commit these crimes to justice. I am also extending my gratitude to the San Juan City Police for their efforts in fighting violence and abuse on our citizens)," Tuliao said.
“Ipinapangako ng aming hanay na patuloy ang pagbibigay namin ng proteksiyon sa lahat ng mamamayan para sa mga ganitong uri ng krimen. Hindi kami titigil sa pagsasagawa ng mga hakbang upang matiyak ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa sa ating komunidad (We vow to continue giving protection to all our citizens against these kinds of crimes. We will not stop in performing our duties to ensure the peace and safety of each and every member of our community)," he added.