The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) has successfully apprehended a 37-year-old suspect in connection with the rape of an 11-year-old girl from Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City. The arrest took place in Tondo, Manila, marking a significant breakthrough in a case that has shocked local communities.
Arrest at Manila Port
During a press conference on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, CIDG-National Capital Region chief Colonel John Guiagui detailed the operation. The suspect was arrested on Monday, March 9, 2026, while disembarking from a boat at Pier 4 in Manila's port area. This followed intensive coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies.
Escape Attempt Foiled
According to Colonel Guiagui, the suspect fled Cebu after the incident, traveling to his father in the southern part of the province. When Cebu City police personnel questioned the father, he admitted to providing the suspect with P6,000 to aid his escape. This crucial information set the stage for the subsequent manhunt.
Through coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, authorities discovered the suspect's travel details on a passenger manifest, showing his journey from Bacolod to Pier 4 in Manila. Cebu City police, working closely with the CIDG, positioned themselves to intercept the suspect upon his arrival, leading to a successful arrest as he stepped off the boat.
Details of the Crime
The suspect, identified as a habal-habal driver, allegedly committed the crime on March 7, 2026. He reportedly took the victim to a grassy area within their barangay and assaulted her in exchange for P200. Following the incident, in an attempt to avoid detection, the suspect asked another habal-habal driver to transport the victim home, bypassing a police checkpoint in the area.
Neighborly Betrayal
Police revealed that the suspect and victim were neighbors, which facilitated the crime. The suspect had been giving the child small gifts over time, with the final gift of P200 preceding the assault. This pattern of grooming highlights the predatory nature of the offense, exploiting trust within the community.
Victim's Condition
The young victim is currently hospitalized, receiving treatment for bleeding sustained during the assault. Her medical care is ongoing, with authorities monitoring her recovery closely. This case underscores the severe physical and emotional trauma inflicted on child victims of such crimes.
The arrest demonstrates effective inter-agency cooperation, involving the CIDG, Cebu City police, and the Coast Guard. It serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of justice in cases involving violence against children, with law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to apprehend perpetrators and support victims.
