ILOILO City – Authorities apprehended the ninth most wanted person here, accused of violating Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
The suspect, known by the alias “Ayi” and a 40-year-old resident of Barangay Mc Arthur, La Paz district, was arrested around 9:10 a.m. on November 19 in Barangay San Agustin, City Proper.
The Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) Intelligence Unit, along with Police Stations 1 and 2 and the Iloilo City Mobile Force Company, carried out the operation under a warrant of arrest issued for the suspect.
Bail for the offense has been set at P200,000.
The Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act defines child abuse as inflicting on the child physical or psychological injury, neglect, cruelty, sexual abuse, or exploitation. It also includes any act that degrades or demeans the dignity of a child.
The law imposes stringent penalties on individuals or entities found guilty of violations, including imprisonment and fines.
Brigadier General Jack Wanky, director of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6), lauded the operatives for their diligence and acknowledged the crucial support from the community.
“This arrest confirms our continuing and relentless resolve to account for the remaining wanted persons in the region,” said Wanky.
On the same day, PRO-6 reported 31 arrests of wanted individuals across Western Visayas. Of these, four were classified as most wanted, while 27 were listed as other wanted persons.
“The data shows that our tracker teams are working tirelessly to locate and apprehend these law violators, in coordination with community members and other law enforcement agencies,” Wanky added.
The suspect is currently in police custody and will be turned over to the appropriate court for legal proceedings./PN
