Rape victim claims DoJ cover-up

A 21-year-old woman, who was raped when she was 16, has turned to anti-crime watchdog Citizens Crime Watch (CCW), claiming that the Department of Justice (DoJ) is covering up her case.

In a handwritten letter to CCW president Diego Magpantay, the victim — identified only as Grace — said she feels discriminated against. She alleges that the respondent, Julilie Patidongan, also known as “Dondon,” is receiving preferential treatment because he is a state witness in a high-profile case. “It feels like the government is giving priority to his status over the severity of his crime against me,” Grace wrote.

Her lawyer, Glessa Janolino, criticized the behavior of both Patidongan’s counsel and the investigating prosecutors. “Their attitude leaves much to be desired and gives the impression that the case isn’t being treated fairly,” Janolino said. “It feels like the perpetrator, ‘Dondon,’ is untouchable in the eyes of the DoJ. This is wrong. My client feels violated all over again, as if her rights are being ignored and her trauma repeated.”