A 51-year-old laborer is now in police custody after being accused of sexually abusing a young woman who was a guest at his home in Cebu City. The incident, which allegedly occurred following a celebration, has led to the filing of formal charges against the suspect.
Details of the Alleged Assault
The suspect, identified only by the alias 'Boy', is a married resident of Barangay Basak Pardo in Cebu City. The victim, a 23-year-old woman using the alias 'Karla', is from the neighboring Barangay Mambaling.
According to the victim's account, she attended a party at the suspect's residence on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The gathering was hosted by her classmate, who is the suspect's child, to celebrate their group's passing of the Customs Administration Board Exam.
Due to intoxication, Karla fell asleep at the house. She was reportedly shocked awake at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, January 11, when she discovered the suspect allegedly performing lewd acts upon her.
The Victim's Harrowing Account
Karla stated that the suspect touched and fondled her breasts and placed 'chikinini' (a local term implying inappropriate touching or action) on her body. The victim further alleged that other private parts of her body were also touched.
"She tried to resist but was overpowered by the suspect's strength, a situation worsened by her own intoxicated state," the report detailed. After managing to break free, Karla immediately reported the incident to her parents.
Arrest and Controversial Defense
The family formally lodged a complaint with the police on Monday at 6:00 p.m., leading to the suspect's arrest in Barangay Basak Pardo later that evening.
In a conversation with SunStar Superbalita Cebu, the suspect admitted to the acts but offered a defense. He claimed he was "mistaken" due to severe intoxication, believing the person beside him in bed was his wife. He stated he only stopped when he realized it was not his wife.
Despite his apologies, police at the Inayawan Police Station proceeded with filing a criminal case against him. Authorities emphasized that intoxication is not a valid defense for such acts, and the judicial process will take its course.
