Cagayan de Oro City – May 30, 2025
One of Northern Mindanao’s most wanted individuals has been arrested in a joint law enforcement operation for multiple charges related to human trafficking, rape, and child exploitation.
Personnel from Police Station 3 of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO), in coordination with the Regional Intelligence Unit 10, PNP Drug Enforcement Group–SOU Region 9, and Maritime Police Stations of Zamboanga del Sur and Lanao del Norte, apprehended the suspect on May 29, 2025, in Barangay Dao, Provincial Government Complex, Pagadian City.
The accused, identified as alias “Josh,” 45 years old, a former resident of Barangay Lapasan, Cagayan de Oro City, had been living in Pagadian City. He was arrested based on multiple warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court in Cagayan de Oro:
- Qualified Human Trafficking (Criminal Case No. R-CDO-24-04442-CR) – No bail recommended
- Rape (Criminal Case Nos. R-CDO-24-04443-CR and R-CDO-24-04444-CR) – No bail recommended
- Lascivious Conduct (Criminal Case No. R-CDO-24-04445-CR) – Bail set at ₱200,000
- Violation of RA 7610 (Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act)
- Criminal Case Nos. R-CDO-24-04446 and R-CDO-24-04447 – Bail set at ₱80,000 each
The charges stem from the case of a 15-year-old girl from Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. According to reports, the victim attempted to reconnect with her biological mother through Facebook in April 2024 after years of abandonment. She later stayed with her mother, who was then pregnant and employed as a club entertainer, and her live-in partner—the accused.
Investigations revealed that the accused sexually abused the victim twice at a lodge in Cagayan de Oro City, with the alleged consent of the mother. The mother also reportedly forced the victim to work at a club to earn income.
The victim later returned to the custody of her aunt and disclosed the abuse, leading to the filing of criminal complaints and the issuance of multiple arrest warrants.
The suspect is currently detained at the custodial facility of Police Station 3, COCPO, for documentation and eventual turnover to the issuing court.
Police Brigadier General Jaysen C. De Guzman, Regional Director of PRO10, commended the participating units for their coordinated efforts and strong commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and upholding the law.