Wanted 'rapist' falls

MANILA, Philippines - A man wanted for raping his 11-year-old cousin finally fell into the hands of the police yesterday after more than 10 years of hiding in Sta. Ana, Manila.

Ervin Macapagal, 27, was nabbed on the strength of an arrest warrant issued by Judge Amelia Tria-Infante of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 9 for statutory rape. No bail was recommended for his temporary liberty.

He is listed as the sixth most wanted man in Manila, police said.

Macapagal and his elder brother Erwin were accused of raping their cousin in December 2000. Erwin was later arrested but his case was dismissed.

The younger Macapagal denied the rape charges filed against him, saying it stemmed from a family quarrel, which was blown out of proportion.