MATI CITY, Davao Oriental — A joint manhunt operation by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) led to the arrest of a 47-year-old man accused of repeatedly raping and sexually abusing his minor stepdaughter for nearly nine years, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Operatives from the CIDG Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit, in coordination with the CIDG Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit and the local territorial police, apprehended the suspect—identified only as “Sherwin”—in Barangay Poblacion, Mati City at around 12:30 p.m. on January 8, 2026.
The arrest was carried out by virtue of a Warrant of Arrest for Qualified Rape (seven counts) and Lascivious Conduct (four counts) issued by a Cagayan de Oro City court on August 4, 2025. The accused, a resident of Barangay Canitoan, Cagayan de Oro City, is listed as No. 4 in the Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) Most Wanted Persons.
According to a report received by PMGEN Robert AA Morico II, Director of the CIDG, the suspect allegedly subjected his stepdaughter to repeated sexual abuse from 2016 to August 2024, beginning when the child was only eight years old.
Investigators said the victim, threatened and terrified by her stepfather, remained silent for years and did not disclose the abuse—even to her own mother—until she could no longer endure the physical pain and emotional trauma. In 2025, the minor found the courage to reveal the ordeal to her mother, prompting them to file a complaint on June 30, 2025. The court subsequently issued the warrant of arrest in August.
The CIDG leadership commended PCOL Jonathan B. Papay, Regional Chief of CIDG RFU-10; PMAJ Gerson A. Soliven, head of the CIDG Cagayan de Oro City Field Unit; and Mervie S. Fernandez, chief of the CIDG Davao Oriental Provincial Field Unit, for the swift and coordinated operation that led to the suspect’s capture.
“The successful cross-boundary manhunt underscores the CIDG’s unwavering commitment to protect women and children from all forms of abuse and violence,” the agency said in a statement. “Putting the accused behind bars is the first step toward helping the minor victim attain the justice she deserves.”
The suspect is now in custody and will be turned over to the court for proper disposition. Authorities urged victims of abuse and their families to come forward and report incidents, assuring them of confidentiality, protection, and full legal support.