By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

A 12-year-old girl escaped a sexually assault attempt Wednesday morning after being attacked by a pedicab operator at a vacant lot, located at Sharina Heights in Barangay Taculing, Bacolod City.

Police did not name the minor.

Based on investigations by the Police Station 6 (PS6) Women and Children’s Protection Desk, around 7:45 a.m., the victim was picked up by the suspect, identified as 38-year-old Bernie Pedro, who was supposed to transport her to a nearby school.

However, Pedro alleged turned his pedicab towards a grassy area and hugged the victim. He then allegedly tried to choke the minor, but she was able to free herself and immediately shouted for help from a nearby house.

Pedro was later arrested in a follow-up operation by PS6 personnel.

In a radio interview yesterday morning, Pedro denied assaulting the victim and said he wanted the victim to be a witness to his death, claiming he planned to commit suicide.

The suspect is currently detained at PS6 and may face attempted rape charges./DGB, WDJ