Navotas City resident nabbed in Iloilo over ‘abandonment’ raps

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A man from Navotas City was arrested morning of March 2, 2023 in Estancia, Iloilo for an “abandonment” case.

Police served Elizzandro delos Santos, 50, an arrest warrant for violation of Section 5 (i) of Republic Act 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) at his temporary residence in Barangay Malbog, Estancia.

Members of the Estancia Municipal Police Station, Navotas City Police Station, and other police intelligence units led the operation.

The cases against delos Santos are docketed under Criminal Case No. N19-634-CR.

Section 5 (i) of Republic Act 9262 refers to “the causation of non-physical suffering, that is, mental or emotional distress, or even anxiety and social shame or dishonor on the offended party.”

Judge Cecilia B. Parallag of the Regional Trial Court-National Capital Region Branch 9-FC in Navotas City issued the warrant on June 17, 2019.

A P72,000 bailbond was recommended for his temporary liberty.

Captain Arniel Buraga, Estancia police chief, said that the suspect used to work as a heavy equipment driver in Saudi Arabia.

According to delos Santos, he eventually discovered his wife’s extra-marital affair while he was working abroad. He confirmed the affair after he went home unannounced.

The couple has three children.

Following his discovery of the affair, delos Santos decided to abandon his family and went to Iloilo.