Rape-slay suspect nabbed in Negros Oriental

By: Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Police in Negros Oriental arrested a man who allegedly raped and killed a two-year-old girl in Dauin town last week.

Authorities arrested Modesto Padeño Jr., 32, of Barangay Maayong-Tubig, Dauin town, at his uncle’s house in Sta. Catalina town, three days after the incident happened last Tuesday.

Padeño was identified by witnesses to be the last person seen with the victim, who was reported missing by her parents just a week after her second birthday.

The child was found in a grassy area of Barangay Maayong-Tubig last Thursday, few meters away from the suspect’s house, where police found the victim’s pajamas, police records showed.

Traces of bloodstains were also seen at the suspect’s house but Padeño was not at home.

He took refuge at his uncle’s house at Barangay Obat, where he was arrested last Friday.

Based on the autopsy results, the victim was raped, according to the police.

Padeño will be charged for rape with homicide.