ORMOC CITY— A man wanted for child abuse in Zambales was arrested by local police authorities in Barangay Acaban, Culaba, Biliran, around 11:30 a.m. last week.
Police identified the suspect only by his alias “Rey,” 38, married, jobless, and a resident of Barangay Acaban.
The operation, conducted on October 15, was jointly carried out by personnel of the Culaba Municipal Police Station, Iba Municipal Police Station of Zambales, and the Provincial Intelligence Unit of the Biliran Provincial Police Office.
According to the police report submitted to the Police Regional Office 8 (PRO-8), the arrest was made by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on May 3, 2024, by Judge Maribel Mariano-Beltran, presiding judge of the Family Court, Third Judicial Region, Branch 13, Iba, Zambales.
The suspect is facing charges for violation of Section 10 (a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, under Criminal Case No. 16169-2024-I. The court recommended P80,000 bail for his temporary liberty.
Police said the accused was informed of the nature of his arrest and apprised of his constitutional rights in a language he fully understood.
He was brought to the Culaba Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition before being turned over to the issuing court in Zambales.
Authorities commended the coordination between Biliran and Zambales police units, noting that the arrest demonstrates the continuing efforts of law enforcement agencies to track down fugitives and ensure accountability for crimes involving the protection of minors.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
