Fish vendor nabbed over robbery with rape raps

By Jennifer P. Rendon

An ambulant fish vendor was arrested over a crime he allegedly committed almost three decades ago.

The now 46-year old John Juarico Papilota was nabbed at Barangay Malusgod, Pototan, Iloilo around 7:00 a.m. of July 10, 2023.

Members of San Enrique Municipal Police Station, together with Iloilo Police Provincial Office – Provincial Special Operations Group (IPPO-PSOG) and 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company (IPMFC), collared Papilota for robbery with rape docketed as Criminal Case No. 42868.

Then Judge Severino C. Aguilar of the Regional Trial Court Branch 35, Iloilo City issued the arrest warrants on Dec. 29, 1994.

No bail was set for his temporary freedom.

Captain Airel Dawn Parcon, San Enrique police chief, said Papilota is the town’s topmost wanted person

The suspect and his two companions were accused for allegedly robbing and sexually molesting a 65-year old woman on Jan. 2, 1994.

The case was filed four days later.

Papilita’s co-accused and even the complainant have already passed away.

The three suspects allegedly robbed the old woman inside her home and later raped her. They only took cash of P200 and a wristwatch.

After the case was filed, the suspect fled but was later monitored to be residing in Pototan town.

“He might have thought that the case against him was dropped since the plaintiff already died,” Parcon said.

Papilota is now detained and will be presented the court concerned.