Teen rape suspect arrested at New Year celebration

By Jennifer P. Rendon

A teenager accused of raping a minor was arrested on the evening of Jan. 1 while celebrating the New Year with his family in Estancia, Iloilo.

The suspect, identified only as Rusty, 19, a construction worker and resident of Barangay Poblacion Zone 2, Estancia, was apprehended at a local resort by members of the Estancia Municipal Police Station.

He was served a warrant of arrest for rape by carnal knowledge under Article 266-A, Paragraph 1 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, in relation to Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

The warrant was issued by the 6th Regional Trial Court, Branch 71, in Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, on March 11, 2024.

No bail was recommended for his temporary release.

Rusty was listed as the third most wanted person in Western Visayas.

Estancia police chief Maj. Karl Jerome Tingala said the victim was 11 years old at the time of the alleged incident, while Rusty was 18.

Following the incident, the suspect reportedly fled to Bacolod City and had not returned to Estancia until recently.

Tingala said they received information that Rusty returned home on Dec. 31, presumably to celebrate the New Year with his family.

Police said Rusty has no known history of other offenses.

He is currently in custody and will be turned over to the proper court.