Palawan fisherman wanted for 19 counts of rape of minors caught
A FISHERMAN in Palawan wanted for 19 counts of rape and sexual abuse of minors was arrested by local operatives of the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) in his hiding place in Taytay municipality last Monday, PNP-CIDG director Maj. Gen. Nicolas D. Torre III said yesterday.
Also tagged as Palawan’s most wanted person, the suspect was placed under arrest on the strength of a warrant for nine counts of statutory rape by sexual assault, seven counts of acts of lasciviousness in relation to Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, and two counts of qualified rape of a minor issued by the Taytay, Palawan Regional Trial Court Branch 14 last March 18.
No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the accused, who was arrested by the CIDG Palawan Provincial Field Unit, with the help of the local police in Purok 4, Bgy. New Guinlo in Taytay municipality.
Records showed that the accused invited two girls, with age 10 and 8, to accompany him in the mountainous area of their village on May 20, 2024 before sexually abusing the victims.
The sex attacks were reportedly repeated on May 30, June 4 and June 29 of the same year.
The victims narrated their ordeal to their guardians, who later sought the help of the local police in filing criminal charges against the suspect.
“I commend the CIDG Palawan Provincial Field Unit for capturing this suspect. We protect women and children and we cannot let accused of rape and sexual abuse, especially of minors, roam around freely. Today, we have helped the minor victims attained the justice they deserved. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” said Torre.
