Man wanted for serial rape in Bicol caught in Zambales
A MAN wanted for 12 counts of statutory rape in Bicol region was arrested by combined Albay and Zambales policemen in his hiding place in Sta. Cruz municipality on Wednesday, Police Regional Office 5 director, Brigadier General Jonnel C. Estomo said.
In a report to new Philippine National Police chief, General Dionardo B. Carlos, the official said that suspect Pionel Boni, a 28-year-old native of Polangui, Albay, was tracked down in his hiding place in Bgy. Guinabon in Sta. Cruz, Zambales following five years in hiding.
Tagged as the 4th most wanted person in Ligao, Albay, the fugitive was arrested by members of the Albay Police Provincial Office (PPO) under Colonel Arnold Santiago and the Zambales PPO headed by Col. Romano V. Cardiño late afternoon Wednesday.
Estomo said the suspect was placed under arrest on the strength of a warrant for 12 counts of statutory rape issued by Judge Ignacio Barcillano Jr. and Judge Edwin Ma-alat of the Ligao City Regional Trial Court on January 18, 2017, and February 8, 2017, respectively. No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the accused.
“A tip from a concerned citizen led us to the hiding place of the suspect who has been in hiding since he became wanted for raping a minor in their neighborhood,” Estomo said.
The suspect is now under the custody of the Polangui police station prior to the issuance of an official jail commitment order on him.
