CAGAYAN -- A 50-year old father who allegedly raped his daughter was arrested in Sitio Mansarong, Barangay Sta. Margarita, Baggao on Friday, June 10.
Police Regional Office-2 identified the suspect as Romeo Bassig who is also listed as the seventh most wanted person in Region 2.
The police said that the alleged rape happened last year when the victim, Jane (not her real name), was 10 years old, and already without her mother who died also in the same year.
“Ganap na alas-sais ng gabi noong Marso 15, 2021 nang maganap ang panghahalay ng suspek sa biktima na itinago sa pangalang ‘Jane’,” the police said.
Jane was left to the care of her father following the death of the suspect’s wife.
“Naiwan sa pangangalaga ng suspek si ‘Jane’ nang mamayapa ang kanyang ina,” the police report added.
According to the Baggao Philippine National Police (PNP), the minor had developed fear after the incident.
“At binalaan na huwag ipagsasabi kahit kanino ang kahalayang ginawa nito sa kaniya,” police said.
The victim kept it secret until she had the chance to tell her aunt about the sexual abuse she suffered at the hands of her father.
On August 4, 2021, the victim, accompanied by her aunt, went to the police and lodged a complaint.
According to the Baggao Police, Romeo attempted to stab the police personnel while serving the warrant of arrest on Friday.
Another policeman shot him to neutralize him.
“Tinamaan sa parteng puwitan ang suspek at agaran namang dinala sa pinakamalapit na pagamutan upang magamot,” the investigator said.
He is now under the custody of Baggao PNP and facing charges for violation of RA 7610 and rape.