In 2001, a case of unprosecuted child rape was brought to the attention of IJM’s office in the Philippines. Alina*, then 11 years old, had been assaulted by a man named Santos Rosos, who was the Chief of Police of Almeria in Biliran, a province in central Philippines.

After learning of Alina’s case, IJM began working with the local authorities to secure the arrest and prosecution of Alina’s attacker. Until IJM became involved, no action had been taken against Rosos because of his influential position on the police force.

On May 23, 2002, IJM filed an administrative complaint against Rosos seeking his dismissal from the police force. Over four years later, the Philippine National Police finally reached a decision. In December 2006, the decision read as follows: “Wherefore, premises considered, SPO4 Santos O. Rosos is hereby ordered DISMISSED from the police service for rape amounting to conduct unbecoming of a police officer.”

While IJM celebrates this significant step towards justice, the staff continues to pursue the criminal case against Rosos four years after it was filed. IJM Philippines continues to advocate on Alina’s behalf to bring the criminal case to judgment and convict Rosos once and for all.