By Jen Baylon

A statutory rape charge was filed against a man after he allegedly assaulted a 12-year-old girl in Bacolod City’s Barangay Cabug on Sunday night, February 11.

Bacolod Police Station 9 commander, Captain Michael Tuburan said 22-year-old Romel Perez, a resident of the village’s Purok Mainuswagon, is currently in their custody.

Tuburan said the incident happened at 9:30 p.m. in the village’s Purok Kabugwason.

He said there was no prior relationship between Perez and the victim, contrary to the suspect’s claims.

As the victim was leaving a store, the suspect suddenly seized her and led her to his house.

Tuburan said the victim’s father went to the suspect’s house, as he sensed his daughter was there.

The father discovered his daughter inside the house.

Tuburan advised parents to closely monitor their children, especially minors, particularly during nighttime.

The police commander also encouraged the youth to heed their parents’ advice.

“Kita gid ga-ampo sa aton mga ginikanan, ang ila obligasyon sa ila kabataan especially na gid ang minors. Ang aton pag-ubay sa ila, indi gid naton pagpabay-an. Ang aton pag-guide, kung mahimo pa lang, kung gab-i i-account gid nila ila mga kabataan, indi gid nila pagpabay-an,” Tuburan said./JB, WDJ