BUTUAN CITY – Lawmen arrested a 30-year-old fisherman for allegedly molesting his 12-year-old neighbor in a banana plantation in Maigo, Lanao del Norte.
Police Regional Office 10-Regional Public Information Office (PRO 10-RPIO) chief Police Major Joann G. Navarro said the suspect is the ninth most wanted person for two counts of statutory rape and two counts of sexual assault.
No bail was recommended for the suspect.
Police said the victim was attending a vigil when she was dragged by the suspect to a nearby banana plantation where she was raped.
The incident happened last December but was only reported in March due to the suspect’s threats.
The suspect is detained at the Maigo police station for proper disposition.
PRO-10 Director Police Brig. Gen. Rolindo M. Suguilon lauded operating units for the arrest of the suspect.
“This arrest underscores the unwavering commitment of PRO-10 and other law enforcement units to pursue justice, especially for victims of heinous crimes such as rape and sexual assault. Walang ligtas sa batas, lalo na ang mga taong nananamantala ng kabataan at kababaihan,” he said.