Search on for 10 suspects in gang rape of nurse in Maguindanao

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Authorities have launched a manhunt for at least 10 suspects in the gang rape of a 21-year old government nurse in Maguindanao province on Saturday. Dr. Tahir Sulaik, the provincial health officer of Maguindanao, said the victim was a volunteer nurse whose first assignment was in Timanan, South Upi in Maguindanao. The victim told police she was on her way to visit a midwife in Barangay Timanan when she was allegedly stopped and dragged to a corn field by at least 10 men who took turns in raping her. South Upi is about 50 kilometers southwest of Cotabato City where the victim resides. The victim was found by bystander on Sunday morning, naked and unconscious. Chief Supt. Bienvenido Latag, director of the ARMM police, said the victim was rushed to a hospital in Cotabato City for medical treatment. Reports said some of the suspects were allegedly members of rich families of politicians in Maguindanao. Latag said he already ordered a thorough probe of the incident. –VVP, GMANews.TV