Ex-catechist arrested over 5 counts of rape

CEBU, Philippines - The long arm of the law caught up with a former catechist from Negros Oriental after 12 years in hiding because of five counts of rape and acts of lasciviousness.

Raymund Arquil Lim, 32, was arrested by joint operatives of the Cebu City Police Office and San Carlos City Police Office yesterday morning in Barangay Sambag II based on the warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court Branch 52 Judge Abraham Caña in San Carlos City on August 23, 2000.

City Intelligence Branch (CIB) chief Romeo Santander said the case stemmed from the complaints filed by four girls and a boy whom Lim allegedly raped. Another boy also complained of acts of lasciviousness.

The complainants were Lim’s students being a catechist of the church in San Carlos City. The complainants, who are now in their legal age, claimed that the alleged rape happened when they were still between 5 to 7 years of age.

Santander said they were tipped of Lim’s presence in Barangay Sambag II from a civilian. According to Santander, they immediately coordinated with the San Carlos City police, which sent PO3 Fidel Alcumo and another policeman to serve the warrants.

The two policemen arrived at 8:30 am yesterday and went straight to Sambag II where Santander’s team was already positioned. Lim was arrested in his aunt’s house.

The court recommended P40, 000 bail for acts of lasciviousness but no bail was recommended on the rape charges. The accused denied the charges. Lim was brought back to San Carlos City yesterday afternoon.— (FREEMAN)