Rape suspect wanted in Northern Mindanao caught in Nueva Ecija

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A 32-year-old man wanted for raping and impregnating his minor stepdaughter in Northern Mindanao was captured in Nueva Ecija on Wednesday, closing out the region’s list of the top 10 most wanted fugitives.

Operatives from the Tagoloan municipal police station in Lanao del Norte and local police intercepted the suspect around 4:50 p.m. on September 9 in Barangay Sampalucan, Bongabon town.

The suspect fled Northern Mindanao after charges were filed against him for rape and violation of Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act or Republic Act 7610. Investigators said the abuse occurred in 2023 while the child was under his care, resulting in her pregnancy.

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He was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued on October 11, 2024, by the Regional Trial Court of Iligan City under Criminal Case No. 24-30063, with no bail recommended.

Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr, Police Regional Office 10 (PRO 10) director, said intelligence tracking allowed operatives to trace the fugitive across regional borders after months on the run.

“Our trackers remain determined and relentless in pursuing those who have pending cases, guided by intelligence, professionalism, and respect for the law. This arrest is also a clear example of what we can achieve through strong interoperability and coordination among police offices,” Babagay said.

Babagay noted that the operation completes the capture of all 10 individuals listed on the regional police office’s top most wanted list.

The suspect is now detained at the Tagoloan municipal police station in Lanao del Norte pending court proceedings./coa