Rape Suspect on Iloilo Most Wanted List Arrested

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Another individual on Iloilo province’s most wanted list was arrested on the afternoon of June 18 in General Santos City, South Cotabato.

Police identified the suspect only as alias Fidel, 59, a widower from Purok 4, Barangay Mamhut Norte, Balasan, Iloilo.

He was apprehended at Tinagakan village while residing in Purok 4, Barangay Lagao, General Santos City.

Members of the Balasan Municipal Police Station, in coordination with operatives from the Regional Intelligence Unit (RIU) 12, General Santos Police Station 8, RIU-Capiz, and RIU-Iloilo, served the arrest warrants.

Fidel is facing charges of rape by carnal knowledge under Article 266-A, paragraph 1, in relation to Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code as amended by Republic Act 8353.

He is also charged with violating Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 (Child Abuse) and Acts of Lasciviousness, also in relation to RA 7610.

The arrest warrants were issued by Judge Ethel Demaisip-Sanson of the 6th Regional Trial Court, Branch 66, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, on March 20, 2025.

No bail was recommended for the rape charge, while PHP200,000 bail was set for the child abuse case and another PHP200,000 for the acts of lasciviousness case.

Fidel is ranked as the fourth most wanted person in Iloilo province.

Colonel Roland Bulalacao, chief of the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), said the arrest underscores the IPPO’s commitment to justice and accountability.

“The IPPO stands unyielding in its vital mission: not only to keep our communities safe, but to relentlessly pursue justice for every victim and their grieving loved ones,” Bulalacao said.