By GENEVIEVE CANTOR, Correspondent
POLICE yesterday pressed charges against three of the four teenagers accused of gangaping an 18-year-old information technology student in upper Carmen.
One of the suspects, a 13-year old named Yuri, was scheduled to be handed over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
Police said the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 gives Yuri legal immunity because of his age.
The three other elder suspects, although teenagers, are not covered by the 2006 law, police said.
Chief Insp. Joepet Paglinawan said the elder suspects–Alfred and cousins John-John and Carlo–were scheduled for inquest proceedings yesterday afternoon, and would then be taken to the city jail in Lumbia for detention.
If convicted, Paglinawan said, the 13-year old Yuri would be moved to a regular prison cell when he reaches 18 years.
Paglinawan said the other suspects would likely spend most of their life in prison, noting that their offense is non-bailable, and if convicted, they would likely be slapped with a life imprisonment sentence.
The suspects were caught abusing the 2nd year college student in a secluded area near a mall in Upper Carmen on Tuesday night.
Police said the victim was with her boyfriend when they were attacked by the young suspects who had a drink too many. The suspects allegedly snatched the young woman, and her younger boyfriend ran off and sought police assistance.
Investigators said the suspects were caretakers of a property where the victim and her boyfriend were making out.
At first, police said, the suspects only peeped but subsequently decided to become participants.
The youngest suspect said it was John-John who gave instructions to tie up the boyfriend but the latter managed to escape after he was struck in the head.
“Nasuko si John-John kay nganong amo daw gibuhian ang lalaki,” he said. “Among gidala ang babaye sa likod sa pader, among gilahungan, gipa ambak namu siya ngadto sa likod.”
Police said John-John was caught in the act of raping the young woman.
Yuri said he told their leader that guards were coming but he allegedly replied, ‘Unya ra kay wala pa ko napura.’”
Police said the victim could not stand up or walk because she suffered fractured legs. She was rushed to the Northern Mindanao Medical Center.
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