Man arrested for allegedly molesting minor girlfriend

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – A 21-year-old man wanted for allegedly molesting his minor girlfriend was arrested Thursday in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

According to a report from the Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), the suspect faces a charge of statutory rape under Article 266-A, paragraph 1(d) of the Revised Penal Code, as amended by Republic Act 11648 and Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997.

The court did not recommend bail for the offense.

Police said the accused repeatedly abused the victim after deceiving her with promises of financial and educational support to gain her trust and exploit her.

PRO-NIR tagged the suspect as the fourth most wanted person in the region.

The arrest was carried out by joint operatives of the Talisay City Police Station and the 2nd Mobile Company of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion–NIR.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, said the arrest reflects the force’s commitment to justice and its duty to protect the vulnerable.

“Crimes that exploit and harm minors will never be tolerated under my leadership,” he said in a statement.

“We will continue to pursue every fugitive of the law, no matter how long it takes, to ensure that justice is served and the rights of victims are upheld.”