By Jennifer P. Rendon
A fisherman from Concepcion, Iloilo was arrested over rape charges on January 20.
Marnel Franco, Sr., 54, was collared at his home at Barangay Macatunao, Concepcion, around 7:30AM of Wednesday.
Joint elements of Concepcion Police Station, together with the Iloilo Provincial Bantay Dagat Task Force, served the arrest warrant for two counts of rape by carnal knowledge against Franco.
The cases are docketed as Criminal Case Nos. 2019-8959 and 2019-8960.
Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 66 Judge Leo Billena of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo issued the arrest warrant on February 22, 2019.
No bail was set for his temporary liberty.
Major Ronnie Brillo, Concepcion police chief, said Franco claimed he was unaware that a rape case was filed against him.
In fact, he did not flee and just stayed in the island village until his arrest.
He learned that the complainant is the wife of his fishing crewmember.
Franco said he and the complainant were lovers. They were allegedly caught, prompting the woman to file a case against him to save face.
The suspect is now detained and will be turned over to the court for proper disposition of his case.
