20 boys get STD from Philippine adult, report

MANILA, March 7 (Xinhua) -- At least 20 minors, some aged below 12, were found to have contracted sexually transmitted disease (STD) from a rice miller who is suspected to have sexually abused them, local media said Friday.

Police in the northern Iloilo province have arrested the 31-year-old rice miller and the interrogation is currently under way, local television network GMA News reported, adding that the suspect insisted that the boys "willingly" followed him without being forced to do so.

Five of the victims were elementary pupils under the age of 12 while others were all under 20.

The report said the victims are being treated by local health officials who try to prevent the minors from developing STD complications which would cast a shadow on them as they grow up.