Philippine prosecutors lead the fight against child abuse
Preda News
January 2023
Children are coming forward after three years of lockdown when imprisoned in their family homes and are now telling horrific stories of sexual abuse and rape. One child Areza (not her real name) filed her complaint with the support of Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Bernardine S. Santos and during hearings, Prosecutor Santos presented the evidence strongly and coherently in an intelligent prosecution to the court.
Areza testified clearly and directly and passed the strict cross-examination, and medical evidence was also presented. The uncle’s only defense was denial. He was convicted and sentenced to life in prison. One of many convictions by prosecutors and child victims.
Other dedicated prosecutors working with the Preda Social Workers, have recently won convictions for child abuse victims against their abusers. Outstanding is Assistant City Prosecutor Junnie T. Esplana of Angeles City. He won the conviction of the notorious human trafficker Ms. Mendoza, who got a life sentence.
Assistant City Prosecutor Ria Nina Sususco in Olongapo City, successfully prosecuted and won a conviction of the child-abusing teacher Franco Arañas, that raped his student. He is also appealing his conviction.
Another high scorer for winning the conviction of child abusers is Assistant Provincial prosecutor Nadine Guzman in Balanga City, Bataan. After presenting strong evidence and the testimony of the empowered child from Preda she won the conviction of a grandfather who raped his granddaughter several times. He was sentenced to life in prison.
Perhaps the most successful of all are Zambales Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Emmanuel Mas Jr. and Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Joe Mari Nacin, they are winning convictions and getting court orders so child victims are referred for therapy and healing to the Preda Foundation.
The successful cooperation between Preda and the Department of Justice prosecutors leads to successful convictions which are powerful messages of advocacy that child trafficking and sexual abuse bring the severest of penalties to offenders and freedom, vindication and justice for child victims.
