[Trigger warning: Mentions of sexual abuse]
MANILA, Philippines — The grandfather and father of a 12-year-old girl were arrested in Manila for allegedly sexually abusing her, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Tuesday.
The two suspects, aged 57 and 37, respectively, were caught by the police on Monday after the victim had reported them to the authorities, according to the NCRPO in a statement.
Neither the two suspects nor the victim were immediately named by the police.
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The victim reported her grandfather was touching her inappropriately early Monday morning, the NCRPO noted.
She had been allegedly sexually abused by her grandfather in at least four incidents across two years, the regional police further said.
The victim also accused her father of sexually abusing her five separate times between 2024 and May 27, 2026, the NCRPO detailed.
“The child shared that she endured the abuse in silence for years, fearing disbelief and retaliation. Living under the same roof as both perpetrators subjected her to constant fear, emotional trauma, and a sense of helplessness,” the police explained.
“It was this overwhelming suffering that ultimately pushed her to seek help, an act of courage that set the arrests in motion,” it added.
Both suspects were taken into the custody of the Manila Police District, awaiting charges before the local prosecutor’s office for violating Republic Act No. 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
They also await charges before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for violating RA No. 8353 or the Anti-Rape Law, according to the NCRPO.
The grandfather, meanwhile, awaits an additional charge for acts of lasciviousness, it added. /mr
