A 46-year-old man tagged as the fourth most wanted in the Negros Island Region was arrested in Nueva Ecija on October 27 for allegedly sexually abusing his minor stepdaughter.
Police only identified the suspect as alias “Sid” who was arrested in a manhunt operation in Barangay Bayanihan, Gapan City, Nueva Ecija. He was reportedly a resident and caretaker of Barangay Nangka, Bayawan City, Negros Oriental.
Police officers of the Bayawan City Police Station and the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office, assisted by personnel of the Gapan City Police Station, carried out the arrest.
The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR) said the suspect is facing pending warrants of arrest for qualified rape of a minor and two counts of acts of lasciviousness.
Authorities say the suspect allegedly sexually abused his stepdaughter on multiple occasions when the child’s mother was away to work as a housekeeper.
Police said the suspect also threatened to kill the child and her mother if the victim told anyone about the alleged abuse. The victim allegedly feared to discuss what had happened due to these threats.
The suspect was on the region’s most wanted list and authorities continued their search for him.
The successful operation in Gapan City demonstrated the importance of cooperation among police units from different areas. The suspect was already out of Negros Island but the officers coordinated with one another to find and arrest him.
The suspect was read his constitutional rights following his arrest. He was later placed under the temporary custody of Gapan City Police Station while police were completing necessary documents and legal procedures.
Brig. PRO NIR Regional Director Gen. Rudecindo L. Reales congratulated the police officers who participated in the operation. He stressed the importance of continuous manhunt operations and cooperation between police units in locating wanted persons.
The regional police office also emphasized that it will execute arrest warrants and present suspects to the relevant authorities.
The arrest is in line with the police’s continued drive to track wanted persons and strengthen law enforcement operations.
As the legal process continues, the suspect will be charged with the offenses contained in the arrest warrants. “The case will follow its own course through the proper legal channels and the courts will address the allegations.
Authorities continue to stress the importance of reporting suspected cases of abuse, especially when children are involved. “Reporting these incidents can help protect victims and enable law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action.
The arrest of the suspect is also a result of cooperation between police units in chasing wanted persons in serious criminal cases.