Photo courtesy of PNP
Police arrested seven people wanted in rape and violence against women and children cases during separate operations across the country on Sept. 2 and 3, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
Four suspects were apprehended on Sept. 3 in Isabela, Agusan del Sur, Valenzuela City and Zamboanga del Sur. They were listed among the most wanted persons of their respective police regional offices.
The suspect arrested in Agusan del Sur was wanted for two counts of statutory rape, while the person apprehended in Zamboanga del Sur faced a rape case. Courts had recommended no bail for both suspects.
In Isabela, police arrested a suspect wanted for an alleged violation of Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act. Another suspect apprehended in Valenzuela City was wanted for seven counts under the same law and for service of sentence.
Three other suspects were arrested by Police Regional Office 10 on Sept. 2. Police identified them only by the aliases “Arlie,” 21, who was wanted for rape in Valencia City; “Sidro,” 56, who faced four counts of statutory rape in Jimenez; and “Van,” 29, who faced four counts of rape in Iligan City.
Courts had recommended no bail for the three suspects arrested in Northern Mindanao, according to the PNP.
Police said all seven were taken into custody following the implementation of court-issued arrest warrants and were undergoing documentation and other procedures before the appropriate legal proceedings.
PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units would continue pursuing people with outstanding warrants, particularly those accused of serious crimes involving violence and abuse. The suspects remain entitled to the presumption of innocence in cases that have not resulted in final convictions.