CdO’s No. 2 most wanted nabbed for child rape

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Law enforcement operatives arrested the Top 2 Regional Most Wanted Person over sexual assault and five counts of qualified rape of a minor during a joint operation in Barangay Puntod at around 3:15 p.m. on 29 October.

The suspect, identified only as “Roy,” 42, a construction worker and resident of Barangay Gusa, was apprehended by the RMU10 Tracker Team-Misamis Oriental, together with personnel from Police Station 3 of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office, Camiguin Provincial Intelligence Team, Regional Intelligence Unit 10, City Mobile Force Company-COCPO, Misamis Oriental 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company and City Intelligence Unit-COCPO.

Authorities said the arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant for sexual assault under the Revised Penal Code in relation to Section 5(P) of Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The case is docketed as Criminal Case No. R-CDO-26-01648-CR, with recommended bail of P180,000.

The suspect also faces five counts of qualified rape of a minor under Criminal Case Nos. R-CDO-26-01649-CR to R-CDO-26-01653-CR, for which no bail was recommended.

He is now in the custody of RMU10-Misamis Oriental for proper disposition.

PRO 10 regional director PBGen. Nestor C. Babagay Jr. vowed the continued pursuit of wanted persons, particularly those accused of committing crimes against children.

“We will continue to pursue individuals who evade the law, especially those accused of committing grave offenses against children,” Babagay said.

“Let this serve as a clear message that no one is beyond the reach of the law. We will do everything within our mandate to ensure that those accountable are brought before the courts,” he added.