Personnel of the Bacolod Women and Children Concern's Desk yesterday said they were frustrated at the "dismissal" of two out of four charges filed against Charles Javellana Balbon Sr. who allegedly molested a 12-year-old girl in a lodge in Bacolod City Saturday last week.

PO3 Marie Jun Gotas, WCCD case investigator, yesterday said the City Prosecutor's Office informed her Thursday that rape and violation of Republic Act 9231 or the Child Labor Law charges filed against Balbon have been dismissed.

We were trying to catch a big fish but it seems he could find his way out of the case, Gotas said, in behalf of case investigator PO2 Rosemae Diaz who was not feeling well yesterday.

Meanwhile, Inquest Prosecutor Arlene Catherine Dato yesterday said she did not recommend the filing of rape charges against Balbon because the presence of force and intimidation were not proven. The minor went with Balbon to the lodge without being forced and intimidated, she added.

However, Dato said Balbon is now facing charges for violation of Republic Act 7610 or Child Abuse and Article 243 or Consented abduction in court. These cases are bailable, she added.

Balbon, who tops the Silay PNP drug watch list, was arrested for bringing the girl to the Adam's Lodge in Brgy. Bata, Bacolod City and allegedly raping her.

Meanwhile, Gotas said an unidentified person threatened one of her companions who was assisting them in filing the case against Balbon, through a telephone call recently.

Gotas said they were not intimidated by the death threat, which they believe is connected to the rape case they are handling. She said the death threat is normal and part of their job.

She said the Silay PNP is also contemplating on filing statutory rape charges against Balbon as the minor claimed that he had sexually molested her several times in Silay City.*DMG

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