Seaman surrenders over economic abuse rap

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A seaman voluntarily surrendered to the Roxas Component City Police Station on Wednesday, May 27, after learning that a court had issued a warrant for his arrest over an economic abuse case.

Police identified the suspect as alias Loreto, 45, a resident of Barangay Cabugao, Roxas City.

Police said Loreto surrendered after Regional Trial Court Judge Joan Marie V. Betita of Branch 14 in Roxas City issued the arrest warrant.

The court recommended bail of PHP 36,000 for his temporary liberty.

Police said Loreto was released from custody after posting the recommended bail.

Economic abuse under Republic Act No. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004, includes acts that make or attempt to make a woman financially dependent, including the withdrawal or denial of financial support.

Under Philippine law, economic abuse may form part of violence against women and their children when used to cause mental, emotional, or economic harm.