Girl, 8, sister, 4, raped by 2 men
TWO construction workers accused of sexually abusing an 8-year-old girl and her 4-year-old sister were arrested by Cavite policemen in a series of manhunt operations on Tuesday, the Journal Group learned yesterday.
Cavite Police Provincial Office director, Colonel Christopher F. Olazo, identified the suspects as Aljohn Iso, 22, and Mark Lester Gragasi alias “Hapon,” both residents of Excess Lot, Burol 3 in Dasmariñas City.
According to the official, Iso was tracked down in his hiding place in Barangay Pasong Camachile 2 in General Trias City, while Gragasi was apprehended in Bgy. San Roque in Dasmariñas City on Tuesday afternoon.
Their arrest was triggered by a complaint from the 35-year-old mother of the two young girls who accused the two of allegedly raping her daughters.
The complainant, who works as a vendor, went to the Dasmariñas City Police Station to file a formal complaint against the two. She said that she discovered the sexual abuse committed on her young daughters around 10:45 a.m. last August 4.
Both victims were taken to a local hospital where they have been declared in stable condition after a medical treatment. They will also be undergoing a psychological evaluation.
Olazo said that the suspects were identified through a backtracking of all available CCTV footages in the area as well as statements from some witnesses.
Before the duo was arrested, Cavite 4th District Rep. Elpidio “Pidi” F. Barzaga Jr. offered a P400,000 reward for any information that would lead to the capture of the two.
Olazo said that the two suspects are now being held at the Dasmariñas City police lockup facility facing non-bailable charges for rape and violation of Republic Act No. 7610 or the anti-child abuse law.
Under this law, children are persons below 18 years of age or those unable to fully take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse, neglect, cruelty, exploitation or discrimination because of their age or mental disability or condition.
