Operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) arrested a pastor in Caloocan City on Monday, Sept. 18, for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl.
The MPD identified the suspect as Michael Catabay, 46, a resident of Dagat- Dagatan, Caloocan City.
Police said the victim, assisted by her mother, went to the MPD District Special Operation Unit (DSOU) to report that Catabay had sexually harassed her.
A warrant of arrest was issued last Sept. 7 by Judge Glenda Cabello Marin of Regional Trial Court Branch 124 in Caloocan City for crimes of lascivious donduct with a recommended bail of P200,000, acts of lasciviousness with P36,000 bail, and rape with no bail.
According to the victim, the suspect repeatedly harassed and raped her inside their church in 2019 when she was 15 years old.
On Monday afternoon, the MPD conducted a manhunt operation against the suspect after the victim and her mother reported his location.
The suspect was collared at Block 17, Samatadd Compound, Tanigue Street, Dagat-Dagatan, Caloocan City.
Police added that the victim was able to identify the suspect when she and the responding police officers arrived in the area.
The suspect is currently under the custody of MPD-DSOU for inquest proceedings.