Police nab two top NIR suspects for rape

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Police arrested a 39-year-old motorcycle mechanic tagged as the No. 1 most-wanted person in the Negros Island Region for allegedly sexually molesting his minor goddaughter in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

The suspect was served arrest warrants for six counts of statutory rape with no bail recommended and three counts of lascivious conduct under Section 5 of Republic Act 7610, which carries recommended bail of PHP 180,000 per count.

Police Lt. Col. Joem Malong, spokesperson for Police Regional Office–NIR, said the charges stemmed from allegations that the accused assaulted his neighbor on multiple occasions and that the victim, assisted by her mother, filed the complaint.

Malong said the alleged incidents occurred on Dec. 10, 2023; Dec. 17, 2023; Dec. 30, 2023; Feb. 15, 2024; May 21, 2024; Dec. 15, 2024; Dec. 24, 2024; Dec. 31, 2024; and April 12, 2025, with cases filed at the Office of the City Prosecutor on June 21, 2025.

The warrants were served while the suspect was already detained at the Talisay City Police Station for a separate violation of sexual abuse in relation to RA 7610.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO–NIR director, said the arrest underscores strengthened efforts to bring justice to victims and ensure fugitives face consequences for their actions.

Meanwhile, a 26-year-old former security guard was also arrested Saturday in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, for allegedly assaulting the daughter of an apartment caretaker and threatening to kill her if she reported the incident.

The suspect, a resident of Bayawan City, was served an arrest warrant for three counts of rape with no bail recommended.

The regional office tagged him as the No. 8 most-wanted person in the region.

“This accomplishment is a clear manifestation of the regional office’s strengthened efforts to bring justice to victims of crimes and ensure that fugitives, no matter how long they hide, will eventually face the consequences of their actions,” Ibay said.

He reminded the public that vigilance and cooperation are vital in safeguarding communities.

The regional office urged residents to report suspicious or unlawful activities to the nearest police station.