Security guard wanted for child abuse arrested in Roxas City

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – Police arrested a 38-year-old security guard wanted for eight counts of child abuse on Monday, September 9, in Barangay Lawaan.

The suspect, identified as Jobert Dalida Dela Cruz of Sitio Upper Sampaloc, Calizo, Balete, Aklan, was apprehended based on a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Ave Zurbito-Alba of the 4th Judicial Region, Branch 8, in Calamba City, Laguna.

The warrant, dated December 1, 2021, was for violations of Republic Act 7610, the “Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.”

The arrest occurred when Dela Cruz applied for police clearance at the Roxas City police station, where officers detected his pending charges.

According to the police, Dela Cruz is ranked as the eighth most wanted person in Calamba City.

The court set bail at P180,000 for each count, allowing for his temporary release.

Dela Cruz is currently in the custody of the Roxas City police and will be referred to the court for further proceedings.