CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A 26-year-old private school teacher facing multiple charges of child molestation was arrested by police operatives in a manhunt operation on January 8, 2026, along Beja Julio Pacana Street, Barangay Puntod, this city.
The suspect, a married resident of Barangay Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City, is listed as the Top 7 Most Wanted Person at the Provincial Level for seven counts of Acts of Lasciviousness under Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Technical Support Company (TSC), Regional Mobile Force Battalion 10 (RMFB-10), under the direct supervision of PMAJ Hadley L. Banding, Company Commander, and the leadership of PLTCOL Bernard E. Pagaduan, Officer in Charge of RMFB-10, in coordination with Police Station 5 of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO).
According to police, a total of three warrants of arrest were served against the suspect during the operation. Each warrant was issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 22, Cagayan de Oro City, with a recommended bail of ₱200,000 per count. Authorities said the third warrant corresponds to the 10th count of the same offense filed against the accused.
Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) Director PBGEN Christopher N. Abrahano commended the operating units for the successful operation, emphasizing the police force’s firm commitment to protecting children and holding offenders accountable.
“This arrest reflects our intensified campaign against individuals who commit crimes against minors. We will continue to pursue all wanted persons and ensure justice is served,” Abrahano said.
The suspect was informed of his constitutional rights under the Miranda Doctrine, including the Anti-Torture warning, in a language he fully understood. He is currently detained at Police Station 5, COCPO, for proper documentation and legal disposition.
Authorities disclosed that the accused may be granted temporary liberty if he is able to post bail amounting to ₱1.4 million for the seven counts filed against him.
Police urged the public, especially parents and guardians, to remain vigilant and to immediately report any incidents of abuse or exploitation of children to authorities.