Authorities have arrested a 42-year-old caretaker man after he allegedly raped an 80-year-old grandmother in Aborlan, Palawan.
Police Major Benigno Conde, Aborlan Police Chief, said in a radio interview that the crime occurred while the victim, who belonged to the Tagbanua tribe, was returning home on July 3.
According to the grandmother, who complained to the police with her grandchild, the suspect suddenly grabbed her and dragged her into a dense area and raped her.
After committing the heinous crime, the suspect immediately left while the grandmother asked for help.
Conde added the medical examination confirmed that the grandmother was raped.
The suspect was later arrested but later denied the victim’s allegations. He is now in custody and will be charged with the corresponding complaint.
The elderly were not spared from sexual abuse in the country. Last year, two teenagers were arrested for allegedly raping the corpse of an 84-year-old grandmother in her own grave at Digos City Public Cemetery, Digos City, Davao del Sur.
Relatives of the grandmother were shocked when they found their dead grandmother lying outside her broken grave.
They also said the victim was naked and no longer wearing underwear when they saw her. Her legs were even crossed.
Rape in the Philippines is considered a criminal offense. In Philippine jurisprudence, it is a heinous crime punishable by life imprisonment when committed against women.
Also read: Grandmother corpse raped in her own grave
Remains of OFWs who died in Saudi Arabia, to be repatriated starting July 10
The remains of OFWs who died in Saudi Arabia would be returned to the Philippines, according to a Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) official in Jeddah.
Labor Attaché Nasser Munder said Tuesday two flights could bring the OFWs back in the Philippines on Friday and Sunday. “This week, ang sabi sa akin ay Friday at ang susunod ay Sunday,” the official said.
According to Munder, the remains of those who had died in Dammam and Riyadh were to return first before those from Jeddah.
Munder said the COVID-19 victims were not included in the repatriation because they are still seeking clearance from the government of Saudi Arabia.