ILOILO City – A 22-year-old wanted man who allegedly raped a minor was arrested on Wednesday in Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao.
The suspect, who was only identified as “Joseph” of Barangay Bakhaw, Mandurriao, was served at 8:28 p.m. with an arrest warrant issued by Judge Nelson Jiz Bartolome of the Regional Trial Court (RTC), Branch 32 for the crime of statutory rape.
According to Mandurriao police chief Captain Val Cambel, the alleged rape transpired last year.
Cambel said that the victim was the suspect’s 15-year-old neighbor, who was allegedly his girlfriend.
“He claimed na girlfriend nya ang victim, but since she was 15 at that time, kag minor, liable gid ang suspect under the law bisan nga may relasyon sila,” Cambel told Panay News.
“Joseph” was the No. 7 wanted person in the region.
He was detained at the Mandurriao Police Station, and no bail has been recommended for his temporary liberty.
“Upon knowing that he was charged with rape, he fled, but later, he came home thinking na wala na iya kaso, and we were able to monitor his presence,” Cambel added.
On the other hand, Police Regional Office 6 director Brigadier General Sidney Villaflor congratulated his officers for the arrest of the wanted person.
“The relentless pursuit of justice exhibited by our police officers led to the swift and safe arrest of this wanted person for statutory rape. This accomplishment was a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and teamwork of the personnel,” he said./PN
