Photo courtesy of PNP
Police arrested Northern Mindanao’s most wanted suspect for sex crimes in Lantapan, Bukidnon, on July 17.
The 62-year-old man, known by the alias “Austin,” was captured in Barangay Kulasihan by the Lantapan Municipal Police Station and other police units.
Authorities said he was wanted under six arrest warrants issued by a Malaybalay City court.
The charges included three counts of statutory rape and three counts of acts of lasciviousness. No bail was recommended for the rape cases.
Police said the alleged victim was a minor who had trusted the suspect.
Relatives later noticed changes in the child’s behavior and school performance, prompting them to seek help from authorities.
The suspect was placed under police custody for proper legal proceedings.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said authorities would continue pursuing fugitives accused of serious crimes and urged families to report signs of child abuse immediately.