Man nabbed over molestation rap filed more than 10 years ago

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A construction worker was arrested for a sexual molestation charge filed more than 10 years ago.

Xavy Jalbuna, 41, of Barangay Ungka 1, Pavia, Iloilo was collared at 8:10 a.m. on June 5 at Barangay Ungka, Jaro, Iloilo City.

Members of the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company (ICMFC), with the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 6, PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, and Pavia Municipal Police Station, led the operation.

Jalbuna is accused of lascivious conduct under Section 5 (B) of Republic Act No. 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act).

Judge Elijo Sharon Ronzales Herrera-Bellones of the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 in Iloilo City issued the warrant on May 30, 2023.

Bail was fixed at P200,000.

Staff Sergeant Jenelyn Bangero of Pavia MPS said the case was filed by an 18-year-old girl sometime in October 2012.

She claimed that the incident happened when she was just between 4 to 6 years old.

The accused was allegedly a family friend.

Bangero said they initially filed a rape case. But the court may have downgraded it to lascivious conduct.

Jalbuna is now detained.