An 18-year-old man was arrested for statutory rape inside a residence in Barangay Santo Niño, Parañaque City, on Saturday afternoon.

The suspect was identified only by the alias Eric James, a resident of Pasay City.

At about 3:30 p.m. on 29 August, the suspect visited the victim’s residence and allegedly lured the 13-year-old female victim into the comfort room, where he sexually assaulted her. The victim's father discovered the suspect inside the comfort room upon returning home, prompting the victim to disclose the assault to her parent.

The victim’s father immediately sought assistance from Barangay Santo Niño tanods, who swiftly apprehended the suspect with responding police officers.

The suspect was brought to the Parañaque City Police Station and turned over to the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) for further investigation and proper disposition.

Formal charges for violation of Republic Act 11648, in relation to Statutory Rape and Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act), are being prepared for filing against the suspect.