Three rape suspects nabbed in Panay

By Jennifer P. Rendon

On Feb. 28, authorities arrested three individuals in separate incidents across the provinces of Aklan, Antique, and Capiz, all accused of rape.

The suspects, referred to by their aliases, include Romy, 31, from Semirara, Antique; Jolito, 70, from Pontevedra, Capiz; and Felizardo, 52, from Libacao, Aklan.

At approximately 9:45 a.m. on Wednesday, members of the Caluya Municipal Police Station, in collaboration with operatives from the Antique Police Provincial Office – Provincial Intelligence Unit (AkPPO-PIU) and the Regional Intelligence Unit – Antique, apprehended Romy on Semirara Island, Caluya.

An employee of the Semirara Mining and Power Corporation (SMPC), Romy faces three counts of rape under Article 266-A in connection with Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code.

The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Josefina Fulo Muego of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) 6, Branch 13, Culasi, Antique on Feb. 21, 2024. No bail has been set for his release.

Romy has been identified as the most wanted person in Culasi town.

Meanwhile, Jolito was arrested at 10:30 a.m. in Barangay Malag-it, Pontevedra. He faces two counts of rape under Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code and two counts of violating Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Judge Eric Anthony A. Dumpilo of the Regional Trial Court (RTC)-6 Branch 14, Roxas City, issued the arrest warrants on Jan. 26, 2024. No bail was recommended for the rape charges, with P200,000 bail set for each count of violating RA 7610.

Felizardo was taken into custody at 1:29 p.m. in Barangay Morales, Balete, Aklan. Accused of two counts of rape, case numbers 17139 and 17140 have been filed against him.

Judge Joebil Barrera Delmoro of the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 2, Kalibo, Aklan and Judge Jemena Abellar Arbis of RTC-6 Branch 6c Kalibo issued the arrest warrants. Like the others, no bail has been recommended for his release.