Police officers arrested an 18-year-old male on Saturday, August 29, for alleged statutory rape involving a 13-year-old girl in Barangay Santo Niño, Parañaque City, as the Philippine National Police (PNP) continues to crack down on crimes against minors.
The operation was conducted by personnel from the Parañaque City Police Station Sub-Station 3 in coordination with local barangay tanods. Authorities responded to the scene after the victim’s father discovered the suspect inside their residence and learned of the alleged assault.
According to initial investigation reports, the suspect allegedly lured the minor into a comfort room inside the home, where the incident took place. Upon learning what transpired, the victim’s father immediately sought help from barangay authorities, leading to the suspect’s swift apprehension.
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.
Law enforcement officials are currently preparing formal charges against the suspect for violations of Republic Act No. 11648, in relation to statutory rape, and Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. praised the quick response of the responding team and highlighted the police force’s zero-tolerance stance against child exploitation.
“This arrest demonstrates that the PNP will act decisively to protect children and hold those who prey on them accountable. Our police officers must remain vigilant, responsive, and committed to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our communities,” PGEN Nartatez said.
“Kapag may batang nangangailangan ng proteksiyon, hindi tayo dapat mag-atubili. Ang kaligtasan ng mga bata ay pananagutan nating lahat,” he added.
The police force noted that the prompt response aligns with the PNP Focused Agenda, specifically the Enhanced Managing Police Operations directive aimed at sharpening police action and reaction times to criminal incidents.