Rape suspect faces no bail

A man tagged as Cagayan Valley’s fifth most wanted person faces no recommended bail for seven rape-related counts following his arrest in Cauayan City, Isabela, on Wednesday, 15 Octotber.

Police identified the suspect as alias “Reynaldo,” 28, a construction worker and resident of San Agustin, Isabela. He was arrested around 1 p.m. in Barangay San Francisco by the Cauayan City Police Station’s tracker team, with assistance from other police units.

According to the Police Regional Office 2 (PRO-2), the suspect faces four counts of statutory rape and three counts of rape by sexual assault under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code. The court did not recommend bail for these charges.

He also faces a charge of acts of lasciviousness in relation to Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, for which the court recommended bail of P108,000.

The arrest stemmed from a warrant issued on 26 August, by the Regional Trial Court Branch 49 in Cauayan City.

PRO-2 regional director Brig. Gen. Mariano C. Rodriguez said the arrest demonstrated coordination among police units pursuing individuals wanted for serious offenses.

Rodriguez directed police personnel to sustain efforts to locate wanted persons, particularly those facing charges involving the alleged abuse and exploitation of children, while observing due process and respecting the rights of the accused.

The suspect remains in the custody of the Cauayan City Police Station pending his turnover to the issuing court for further proceedings.