Man wanted for rape-slay nabbed in Escalante

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — A 28-year-old man accused of raping and killing a woman in Barangay Balintawak last September was arrested Thursday in Barangay Hacienda Fe, Escalante City, Negros Occidental, after three months in hiding.

Police identified the suspect only by the alias “Rom,” a resident of Barangay Washington, who is listed as the fourth most wanted person in the Negros Island Region (NIR).

Authorities served a warrant for his arrest on charges of rape with homicide. The warrant, issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 59 on Dec. 9, 2025, carries no recommendation for bail.

Police Capt. Lindsey Caraballe, deputy chief of the Escalante City Police Station, said the suspect tested positive during a DNA examination conducted through vocal swabs taken from eight persons of interest.

The DNA matched evidence recovered in the investigation of a 27-year-old woman found dead in a sugarcane field on Sept. 8, a day after she was last seen attending a purok fiesta.

According to Caraballe, all eight persons of interest were individuals who had been seen with the victim prior to her disappearance.

Investigators believe the suspect may have followed the victim when she stepped away to urinate.

Police earlier reported that the victim had a head injury, and her underwear was found near her feet. A stone, believed to have been used in the assault, was recovered beside her body.

According to the Police Regional Office–NIR, the suspect had previously been arrested for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.

The PRO-NIR said the arrest reinforces the region’s commitment to ensuring justice is served and that no crime goes unanswered.