The police arrested Negros Island Region’s 9th Most Wanted Person in a manhunt operation conducted in Brgy. Azagra, Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, on Tuesday, Oct. 7.
The suspect, identified only by the alias “Tatot,” 40, of Brgy. Jilocon, San Jose, Negros Oriental, was served a warrant of arrest for four counts of qualified rape, with no bail recommended.
The accused was the brother of the live-in partner of the victim’s mother and had repeatedly sexually assaulted the victim, who is deaf-mute, the police said.
Authorities acted on the report filed by the victim’s mother, which led to a hot pursuit operation and the immediate arrest of the suspect.
An inquest proceeding was conducted, and an additional rape complaint was filed by the Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the San Jose Police Station after the victim revealed multiple incidents of abuse.
The additional warrant was served while the accused was already detained at the BJMP facility.
The operation was carried out by the San Jose police in coordination with the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (PIU-NOrPPO).
BGen. Arnold Thomas C. Ibay , Police Regional Office – Negros Island Region director, said the arrest reflects the regional office’s firm commitment to ensuring that those who commit heinous crimes are held accountable.
“This is a testament to our dedication to enforcing the law and protecting the most vulnerable sectors of our society,” Ibay said.
He added that PRO-NIR will continue to strengthen its campaign against wanted persons through intelligence-driven operations and close coordination among police units to sustain peace and public trust.*