Capiz second most wanted person arrested for rape charges

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — The second most wanted person in the province of Capiz was arrested by police Saturday morning, March 14, in Barangay Agtatacay Norte, Sapian, Capiz for two counts of rape.

The Sapian Municipal Police Station arrested alias Toto at his house at around 8:25 a.m. on the strength of a warrant of arrest for the crime of rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 11648.

Republic Act 11648, signed in 2022, raised the age of sexual consent in the Philippines from 12 to 16 years old, strengthening protections for minors against sexual abuse and exploitation.

The operation was led by Police Maj. Steve Ian H. Bautista, officer-in-charge of the Sapian police station, under the supervision of Albert D. Tapulao, provincial director of the Capiz Police Provincial Office.

The warrant of arrest was issued by Regional Trial Court Judge Rommel Lacson Leonor of Branch 21, Mambusao, Capiz on March 9, 2026.

The court recommended no bail for his temporary liberty.

The suspect is presently under the custody of the Sapian police station for proper disposition and court referral.