Construction worker arrested for rape charge

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A construction worker accused of rape was arrested the morning of Dec. 5 in Dumangas, Iloilo.

The suspect, known only by the alias “Bebong,” 34, was apprehended at his home in Barangay Tabucan, Dumangas.

Members of the Dumangas Municipal Police Station, along with the Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Intelligence Unit, the Provincial Special Operations Group, and the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company, served the arrest warrant.

The warrant was issued for qualified rape of a minor under Article 266-A, paragraph 1, in relation to Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and in connection with Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

He also faces a separate charge of rape by sexual assault under Article 266-A, paragraph 2, of the same code, in relation to Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610.

The 6th Regional Trial Court, Branch 68 in Dumangas, issued the arrest warrant on Dec. 2, 2025.

No bail was recommended for the qualified rape case, while bail was set at PHP 180,000 for the rape by sexual assault charge.

Police identified Bebong as the third most wanted person in Western Visayas, the second most wanted at the municipal level, and sixth in Iloilo province.

Dumangas police chief Maj. Kenn Albert Lepsia said the victim is a minor relative of the suspect.

The alleged sexual abuse occurred in April 2025.

During his arrest, the suspect claimed there were ongoing settlement talks with the victim’s family.

Bebong is now in police custody pending legal proceedings.