Photo courtesy of PNP
Police arrested a 75 year old man wanted for rape and child abuse after years of evading authorities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The suspect was captured on May 31 during a manhunt operation in Barangay Sorioan in Salcedo, Ilocos Sur.
Authorities said the arrest was carried out based on a warrant issued by a regional trial court in Ballesteros, Cagayan, which did not recommend bail.
The man, a resident of Allacapan, Cagayan, had been listed among the most wanted individuals of the Cagayan police due to the long standing case against him.
The operation involved a joint team from the Allacapan police, Salcedo police, provincial intelligence units, the Highway Patrol Group in Cagayan, and the provincial mobile force.
Police said the arrest followed sustained tracking and verification efforts aimed at locating suspects with outstanding warrants.
PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez said authorities would continue pursuing individuals facing criminal charges to ensure that justice is enforced, adding that long pending cases remain a priority for law enforcement.
The police said the operation formed part of its broader campaign to strengthen law enforcement efforts and intensify the hunt for wanted persons nationwide.