Department of Justice files Rape and Sexual Assault charges against alleged abusers of Sandro Muhlach

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has formally filed rape and sexual assault charges against former television consultants Jojo Tawasil Nones and Richard Dode Cruz following allegations by actor Sandro Muhlach.

Acting Attorney General Richard Anthony Fadullon confirmed that the charges were filed based on Muhlach’s detailed account and the definitive identification of the defendant. Fadullon said in his statement: “According to the investigation conducted by our prosecutor, it is understood that the victim positively identified the two people who harassed her and explained what happened to her in full detail.”

Fadullon noted that the defendants’ only defense was denial, but the weight of the victim’s positive diagnosis and her detailed description of the incident played an important role in the prosecutor’s decision. “We know in law that positive identification is the strongest evidence and denial is the weakest evidence,” he added.

Attorney Maggie Garduque, representing nones and Cruz, stated that they would issue a formal response after reviewing the Department of Justice’s decision and the grounds for the charges.

During Senate hearings earlier this month, Muhlach described Nones and Cruz as alleged abusers and detailed that the incident occurred on July 20, the night of the GMA Gala. Muhlach stated that the defendant provided him with wine and P500, then presented him with a “white substance” on the table, instructing him on how to use it.

The actor claimed he was then pulled onto the bed and attacked by both men.

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