Police arrested Mayor Miguel Silva Jr. of Pangantucan, Bukidnon on Sunday night, Feb. 2, in Compostela, Davao de Oro for allegedly raping a minor.

The 59-year-old Silva was apprehended through a warrant of arrest dated Dec. 10 issued by Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Regional Trial Court Branch 9 Judge Maria Theresa Aban Camannong.
He is facing two counts of sexual assault with a recommended bail of P100,000 each and one count of statutory rape, a non-bailable case.
Combined forces of the Davao de Oro and Bukidnon police apprehended Silva.
“This arrest is a testament to our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favor. We assure the public that due process will be observed, and we will continue to uphold justice and maintain peace and order in our province,” Police Col. Antonio Alberio Jr., Davao de Oro police chief, said.
Silva is under the custody of the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office for proper judicial disposition.
“The Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served. We continue to encourage the public to cooperate with authorities and report any criminal activities to help maintain peace and order in our communities,” Alberio said.
Camannong denied bail for Silva, said Police Col. Jovit Culaway, Bukidnon police chief, for the sexual assault cases.
Police said they have monitoring Silva for a month. “We have been monitoring him for over a month. Although he previously stated in media interviews that he would surrender, he never did,” Culaway said.
Police Regional Office-10 (Northern Mindanao) Director Brig. Gen. Jaysen de Guzman cited operating units for arresting Silva.
De Guzman said they will enforce the law, regardless of an individual’s status or position. “This operation was the result of months of intelligence gathering and careful planning by regional and local police forces,” he said.
Silva is running as an independent candidate for governor of Bukidnon in the upcoming elections. His opponents are incumbent Gov. Rogelio Niel Roque, Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas, and lawyer Arbie Saway Llesis.
Vice Mayor Manolito Garces is acting mayor. Supporters of Silva, who is in his last term as mayor, held a prayer rally for him on Dec. 9, a day before the arrest warrant was issued by the court.