Farmer, 66, Arrested for Rape Charges in Iloilo

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A 66-year-old farmer listed among Western Visayas’ most wanted persons was arrested on the morning of April 21 in Lambunao, Iloilo.

The suspect, identified only as alias Fermin, was apprehended while hiding in Barangay Poblacion Ilawod, Lambunao.

Personnel from the Lambunao Municipal Police Station arrested the suspect by virtue of a warrant of arrest for rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, docketed under Criminal Case No. 21-1192.

Judge Redentor Eugenio Esperanza of the Regional Trial Court Branch 76 in Janiuay, Iloilo, issued the warrant on Nov. 26, 2021.

No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

Reports stated that Fermin is the sixth most wanted person in Region 6.

Major Roy Tayona, Lambunao police chief, said the suspect was accused of raping his neighbor in 2021.

Following the incident, Fermin reportedly fled and went into hiding.

Tayona said police recently received information that the suspect was hiding in Dumarao, Capiz.

However, officers failed to locate him during the operation in the area.

Tayona believes that the attempted arrest in Capiz forced the suspect to flee and briefly return to Lambunao.

Authorities then confirmed his presence in the area, leading to his arrest.

Fermin is now in police custody pending proper disposition of his case.