A 21-year-old rape victim has sought assistance from anti-crime watchdog Citizens Crime Watch (CCW), alleging what she described as a “cover-up” by the Department of Justice (DoJ) in the preliminary examination of her case.

The complainant, identified as Grace, said she was sexually assaulted when she was 16 years old. In a handwritten letter to CCW president Diego Magpantay, she expressed concern that the respondent in her case, Julilie Patidongan, also known as “Dondon,” was allegedly receiving preferential treatment.

Grace claimed that the respondent, described as a “known individual,” is being given consideration because he is reportedly a state witness in a separate high-profile case that the government considers a priority.

Her legal counsel, Atty. Glessa Janolino, also questioned the conduct of the proceedings.

She said the attitude of both the respondent’s counsel and the investigating prosecutors “leave much to be desired” in terms of “inspiring the feeling that the case is being treated impartially.”

“We are constantly being given the impression that the perpetrator, Mr. Patidonga or ‘Dondon’ is a protected individual who can do no wrong in the eyes of the DoJ,” Janolino said. She added that “this is wrong, because my client feels that she is being again preyed upon and that her rights are being raped anew.”

For his part, CCW chair lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said the group would stand by the complainant.

“Our group is behind the victim all the way, and will we provide not only legal assistance, but moral support and even personal counselling," Topacio said.

The DoJ has yet to issue a statement on the allegations.