Authorities have arrested a 47-year-old man wanted for multiple counts of Qualified Rape of a Minor and Lascivious Conduct in Mati City, Davao Oriental.

The suspect, a resident of Brgy. Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City, was taken into custody under a Warrant of Arrest issued by the Cagayan de Oro City Court on 4 August 2025. 

He was previously listed as number four on the Regional Most Wanted Persons list of the Police Regional Office 10.

The arrest followed a complaint filed by the minor victim and her mother in 2025. 

The victim, who was eight years old when the abuse allegedly began in 2016, reported the case after years of trauma.

The operation was carried out jointly by the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Regional Field Unit 10, CIDG Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit, CIDG Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit, and local police units in Mati City.

PNP Chief PLTGEN Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed the arrest and said the suspect will face trial in accordance with the law.

“We warn all perpetrators – hahanapin namin kayo at hindi kayo makakatakas. Justice will always catch up,” he warned.

Nartatez said the PNP continues to pursue all individuals accused of sexual abuse against minors nationwide.