Police Apprehend Suspect in Statutory Rape Case in Iloilo
In a significant law enforcement operation, police arrested a 57-year-old man on five counts of statutory rape in Barangay Tabucan, Dumangas, Iloilo, at 12:11 p.m. on March 6, 2026. The suspect, identified only as Rod, is a resident of Dumangas and was taken into custody following a coordinated effort by multiple police units.
Details of the Arrest and Police Response
The arrest was executed under a warrant issued on January 20, 2026, by the Family Court, Sixth Judicial Region, Branch 6 in Dumangas. The court recommended no bail for the suspect, highlighting the severity of the charges. Brigadier General Josefino Ligan, regional director of the Police Regional Office in Western Visayas (PRO 6), praised the arresting teams, stating, "This arrest sends a clear message that the long arm of the law will always prevail. We remain committed to bringing all wanted persons before the court of justice."
The operation was led by the Dumangas Municipal Police Station (MPS) under the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (Ippo), with assistance from the Provincial Intelligence Unit – Special Operations Group (PIU-SOG) of the Ippo and the Provincial Highway Patrol Team of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG). This multi-unit collaboration underscores the intensified efforts by PRO 6 to locate and apprehend individuals facing serious criminal charges.
Background and Ongoing Investigations
The warrant stemmed from five separate counts of statutory rape, though authorities have not disclosed further details pending court proceedings to protect the integrity of the case. Police officials emphasized that operations against wanted persons remain a top priority, with enhanced coordination between courts and intelligence teams to ensure swift justice.
Currently, the suspect is in the custody of the Dumangas MPS for documentation before being turned over to the court of origin. This arrest is part of a broader initiative by PRO 6 to combat serious crimes and uphold public safety in the region.
