THE Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has filed criminal charges against a 13-year-old boy for allegedly raping and killing an eight-year-old girl in Novaliches, Quezon City, last week.
QCPD spokesperson Maj. Jennifer Gannaban said the rape with homicide case against the boy was referred to the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office last Monday.
“The case is now with the QC Prosecutor’s Office. It’s up to them (prosecutors) to assess (the case that was filed) and the PNP is waiting for a resolution,” said Gannaban.
The QCPD’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit has taken the boy into custody.
The victim was last seen alive last Saturday afternoon playing near her residence.
Her parents left to buy food and upon their return later that night, they noticed their daughter was not around, leading to a coordinated search.
Closed-circuit television footage showed the victim being accompanied by the 13-year-old boy on Saturday afternoon. This eventually led to the discovery of the victim’s naked body at a vacant lot.
Gannaban acknowledged that under Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006, children aged 15 years and below are exempted from criminal liability.
“However, they may undergo government intervention programs to help them and protect their welfare, as well as to provide justice to the victim,” said Gannaban.
