Authorities arrested a national most wanted person in General Nakar, Quezon, over charges involving the alleged rape and sexual abuse of his minor niece in Mountain Province.
The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) said the suspect, identified only as “Tino,” was arrested at around 2:30 pm on June 8 during a manhunt operation conducted by the CIDG Quezon Provincial Field Unit, the PNP Special Action Force, and the General Nakar Municipal Police Station.
The suspect, a native of Mountain Province and resident of Barangay Umiray in General Nakar, was arrested by virtue of two warrants issued by a Regional Trial Court in Bontoc, Mountain Province, on September 8, 2022.
One warrant covered three counts of qualified statutory rape, with no bail recommended, while the other covered two counts of acts of lasciviousness in relation to Republic Act No. 7610, with bail set at P200,000.
CIDG Director Maj. Gen. Robert Morico II said the suspect was listed as the No. 8 national most wanted person, with a P150,000 reward under a Department of the Interior and Local Government memorandum circular.
Based on the CIDG report, the case stemmed from incidents in 2015 in Sitio Lumyeng, Lacman, Mountain Province, where the suspect allegedly raped and sexually abused his niece, who was then a Grade 6 pupil.
The suspect allegedly threatened the child not to report the abuse, causing the victim to remain silent for several years out of fear.
In 2022, the victim disclosed the alleged abuse to her father, leading to the filing of criminal complaints in May of that year. The court later issued the warrants of arrest against the suspect.
Authorities said the suspect left Mountain Province and hid in mountainous areas in the Sierra Madre, particularly in Sitio Matani, Barangay Umiray in General Nakar, Quezon, and Barangay Sta. Ines in Tanay, Rizal, to evade arrest.
The CIDG commended the operating units for tracking down the fugitive in a remote area, saying the operation underscored its continuing campaign against wanted persons and its commitment to protecting women and children from violence and abuse.
The CIDG said it will remain relentless in pursuing wanted persons and fugitives, wherever they may hide.