By Jennifer P. Rendon
A fisherman was arrested for allegedly sexually molesting a minor in Carles, Iloilo.
The suspect, identified by the alias “Toto,” 27, was apprehended on the evening of August 20 in a coastal village in Carles town.
Members of the Carles Municipal Police Station, along with the 2nd Iloilo Provincial Mobile Force Company and Iloilo MARPSTA-Estancia, arrested the suspect for two counts of rape by carnal knowledge under Article 266-A, Paragraph 1 in relation to Article 266-B of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, in relation to Republic Act 7610. The case is docketed under Criminal Case Nos. 2024-11798 and 2024-11799.
The arrest warrant was issued by Judge Oscar Leo A. Billena of Regional Trial Court Branch 70, Barotac Viejo, Iloilo, on August 13, 2024. No bail was set for the suspect’s temporary liberty.
Major Sonny Boy Garnace, Carles police chief, stated that the suspect is the town’s most wanted person and the third most wanted in Western Visayas.
The suspect was reportedly unaware that a criminal case had been filed against him last year.
He is accused of molesting a young relative of his wife, a grade-schooler, in August 2023.
While the wife did not pursue charges, the victim’s other relatives have filed the case against him.
Reports indicated that the victim is suffering from a minor mental health issue, though the family did not provide further details.
The suspect is currently detained and will be turned over to the appropriate court.
