A 43-year-old man is now behind bars after being caught in the act of attempting to rape his own 5-year-old daughter in Cebu City. The shocking incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Barangay Duljo Fatima, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Suspect Under Influence of Illegal Substances
The suspect, identified only by the alias Vincent and a resident of the barangay, was reportedly under the influence of both illegal drugs and alcoholic beverages at the time of the crime. According to the Mambaling Police Station's investigation, Vincent admitted to using shabu worth P200 prior to the attempted assault, which he claimed clouded his judgment and led to the horrific act.
Relative's Timely Intervention Saves Child
The young girl was saved from further harm due to the timely arrival of a relative, who discovered Vincent inside their home. The relative found the suspect already removing his short pants and beginning to carry out his malicious intentions toward the sleeping child. Without hesitation, the relative immediately sought assistance from barangay tanods, who swiftly apprehended Vincent before he could be turned over to the police authorities.
Suspect's Confession and Apology
During police questioning, Vincent did not deny the allegations and confessed to his actions. He explained that he was drawn to the child's fairness, which prompted him to climb to the upper floor of the rented house where the family resided. In his statement, Vincent recounted, "We are renting downstairs, and they are upstairs. I saw the child sleeping, so I went up. But nothing penetrated because the relative arrived." Despite issuing an apology to the victim's parents and family, his remorse did little to mitigate the gravity of the offense.
Family Pursues Legal Action
Determined to seek justice, the family of the 5-year-old victim is moving forward with filing charges against Vincent. They plan to pursue a case of Statutory Rape or Attempted Rape, underscoring their resolve to hold the perpetrator accountable for his actions. This case highlights ongoing concerns about child protection and the impact of substance abuse on criminal behavior in the Philippines.
