Man who ‘enslaved’ daughter arrested

CEBU, Philippines - The seventh most wanted man in the western town of Dalaguete town was arrested in Toledo City during a manhunt last Tuesday afternoon.

SPO3 Cleto Pia of the Dalaguete Police said the 54-year-old suspect was ordered arrested for six counts of statutory rape and illegal possession of firearms charges. The cases against him were filed two years ago after he allegedly made his own daughter his sex slave for seven years.

The FREEMAN is withholding the name of the suspect owing to the sensitive nature of the case and so as not to identify the victim.

“Di gyud ingun nga kaunom ra na niya gibuhat kay halos kada-adlaw man kuno. Mao lang na ang nahinumduman sa biktima,” Pia said.

The victim, now 21-years-old, has been placed under the custody of a police officer.

The suspect was arrested at a hut in Barangay Media Onse, Toledo City at 4:40 p.m.

Pia said the suspect fled two years ago after his daughter managed to escape their house and sought the help of police.

“Sa dihang nakakita ug higayon ang bata, miikyas kini ug nidali’g pangayo og tabang mao tong naalarma ang suspect ug dali pud nga ni ikyas,” Pia added.

The victim’s mother reportedly kept mum because the suspect would threaten to kill her.

“Ang asawa ani niya under threat. Pakitaan sa mga armas sa suspect maong wa pud makasumbong,” Pia added.

The suspect was arrested previously for alleged involvement in small scale mining also in Dalaguete but he posted bail and was released from jail.

The manhunt last Tuesday was led by Police Inspector Rico Emperwa and was carried out following confirmation of the suspect’s whereabouts. It was reportedly last year when police learned that the suspect was in Toledo City.

The suspect is detained temporarily at the Dalaguete Police Station and will be moved to the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center. —/JMO (FREEMAN)