Man arrested for abducting, molesting girl

CEBU, Philippines - One of two men accused of abducting and molesting two girls in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion last Monday night has been arrested by authorities.

The suspect, Dems “James” Sadaya, 27, a native of Tipolo, Mandaue City, was arrested Friday after he was identified positively by the 17-year-old victim. He is facing charges for rape with serious illegal detention.

The 17-year-old victim, a resident of Lapu-Lapu City, sought the help of barangay tanod Charlie Pepito after she managed to escape from the abandoned house in Barangay Tayud where Sadaya allegedly imprisoned her, tied her up with a nylon rope, and molested her repeatedly for three days.

Afternoon last Friday, when the suspect was away, she managed to untie herself and escape.

“Nakahigayon siya ug ikyas kay wala man diha ang suspek unya wala siguro matarong ug higot ang gapos niya (She found the time to escape when the suspect was away. Perhaps the rope was not tied too tightly),” said PO3 Arthur Ariate.

At around 5 p.m. on the same day, Pepito held the suspect in custody after he was spotted near the Barangay Hall.

“Spotted ang suspek sa barangay hall dapit maong gi-hold sa tanod unya identified man siya (The suspect was spotted near the barangay hall so he was placed under custody because he was identified by the victim),” Ariate said.

The victim alleged that she and her 18-year-old female friend were walking along the road Monday night when a red van stopped near them and Sadaya stepped out and forced them to board the van. She said Sadaya threatened to kill her and then started kissing her before bringing her to the abandoned house.

Her friend was reportedly taken to another location by Sadaya’s companion whom she described to be tall, fat, with white complexion, and with tattoo in both arms. Authorities are now hunting the man down and looking for the other victim.

“Gibuwag kuno sila unya ang gadala sa 18 anyos katong taason nga pution ug dunay patik sa bukton (They were separated and the tall man, white man with tattoo in his arms brought the 18-year-old girl to another place),” Ariate said.

Police said Sadaya will be interrogated for the whereabouts of his cohort.  (FREEMAN)