Calabarzon’s top rape suspect arrested in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A man facing 94 counts of rape was arrested on the afternoon of July 21 in Maasin, Iloilo.

The suspect, identified only as alias “Seph,” 52, a househelp from Barangay San Isidro, Sibunag, Guimaras, was apprehended while hiding at a relative’s home in Barangay THT&P, Maasin.

He allegedly arrived in Iloilo in March 2025, about a month before his arrest warrants were issued.

Members of the Sibunag Municipal Police Station, in coordination with the Guimaras Police Provincial Office–Provincial Intelligence Unit (GPPO-PIU), Regional Intelligence Unit–Provincial Intelligence Team Guimaras (RIU 6 PIT), and Maasin Municipal Police Station, arrested the suspect based on three warrants issued by a court in Laguna province on April 11, 2025.

One warrant involves 75 counts of statutory rape, while the second carries 19 counts of the same offense, as defined and penalized under Article 266(a), Paragraph 1 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Acts 8353 and 11648.

No bail was recommended for the rape charges.

He also faces a separate case for acts of lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Republic Act 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act).

Bail for the acts of lasciviousness case was set at PHP80,000.

Seph is listed as the number one most wanted person in Region 4-A (Calabarzon).

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Josefina Ligan, chief of the Police Regional Office 6 (Western Visayas), commended all police units involved in the arrest.

“This accomplishment highlights the effectiveness of intelligence coordination and the dedication of our units in pursuing justice beyond boundaries,” Ligan said.

She lauded the arresting teams’ commitment to service and their relentless pursuit of fugitives, calling it a reflection of the true spirit of the Philippine National Police (PNP).