Police arrested two brothers wanted for qualified rape in separate manhunt operations in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, the Philippine National Police said.
The PNP said both suspects were listed among Region 2’s most wanted persons and were facing cases for qualified rape under Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The first suspect, identified only by the alias “James,” was arrested on July 4. Police said he was listed as the No. 9 Regional Most Wanted Person and was facing three counts of qualified rape. No bail was recommended.
Authorities arrested his brother, identified only by the alias “Dodong,” the following day. Police said he was listed as the No. 4 Provincial Most Wanted Person and was also facing a qualified rape charge. No bail was recommended.
The warrants were issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 12 in Sanchez Mira, Cagayan.
The arrests were carried out by the Santa Praxedes Police Station through its Manhunt Charlie Tracker Team, with assistance from the Claveria Maritime Law Enforcement Team, the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Highway Patrol Group Cagayan, and the 203rd Maneuver Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. commended the operating units for carrying out the arrests.
“Every successful arrest of a wanted person strengthens the rule of law and reinforces our commitment to ensuring that justice reaches every victim. We will continue pursuing fugitives until they are held accountable before the courts,” Nartatez said.
“Ang bawat pag-aresto sa mga wanted persons ay malinaw na patunay na hindi humihinto ang PNP sa pagpapatupad ng batas. Mananatili tayong nakatuon sa pagtiyak na ang bawat akusado ay haharap sa hukuman,” he added.
The PNP said both suspects are under the custody of the Santa Praxedes Police Station pending the return of the warrants to the issuing court and further judicial proceedings.