KABACAN, Cotabato — The 60-year-old man who had been the subject of an intensive police manhunt for allegedly luring a grade school girl into a lodging house in Kabacan has finally been arrested, marking a major breakthrough in a case that shocked the local community and prompted the municipal government to offer a ₱100,000 reward for his capture.
Operatives of the Kabacan Municipal Police Station arrested the suspect, identified only by the alias “Dandan,” during an operation in Barangay Katidtuan around noon on July 6.
Authorities said the suspect was found in possession of a caliber .38 revolver without the necessary license, six rounds of ammunition, and one sachet containing suspected shabu, resulting in his immediate arrest.
Police have filed charges against the suspect for alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, and Republic Act No. 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act.
Linked to Attempted Abuse of Minor
According to the Kabacan Municipal Police Station, investigators confirmed that “Dandan” is also the same individual being linked to the earlier incident involving a minor girl who allegedly escaped an attempted sexual assault after being taken to a lodging house.
The incident, which occurred on July 3, drew widespread public outrage after CCTV footage reportedly showed the child fleeing from the suspect before he chased after her.
Police said the victim, whose identity remains withheld for protection, was walking home from school when the suspect allegedly approached her and asked for help carrying his belongings.
Believing the request to be harmless, the child accompanied the elderly man. However, instead of proceeding to another destination, the suspect allegedly brought the girl to a lodging house in Kabacan.
Investigators said the suspect reportedly deceived the establishment’s cashier by introducing the child as his daughter, allowing them to rent a room.
Inside the room, authorities said the suspect allegedly attempted to entice the girl by offering her money and a drink while asking her to sit beside him.
Sensing danger, the child reportedly noticed that the door had been left unlocked, pushed the suspect away, and managed to run out of the room.
Surveillance footage from the lodging house allegedly captured the suspect pursuing the fleeing child despite having difficulty walking. The girl safely escaped and later reunited with her family.
Reward Led to Intensified Hunt
Following the incident, Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman announced a ₱100,000 cash reward for anyone who could provide credible information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The reward offer, coupled with intensified police operations, eventually led authorities to locate and apprehend the suspect in Barangay Katidtuan.
More Cases May Follow
While the suspect is currently detained and facing firearms and illegal drug charges, police said the investigation into the alleged attempted sexual abuse remains ongoing.
Authorities disclosed that they are also investigating another complaint involving the suspect related to an alleged attempt to sexually abuse a minor, raising the possibility of additional criminal charges.
The Kabacan Municipal Police Station assured the public that it is coordinating with the appropriate agencies to ensure justice for the victim and to determine whether other children may have been targeted by the suspect.
Police likewise reiterated their appeal to parents and guardians to continuously remind children never to accompany strangers, regardless of age, and to immediately report suspicious individuals or incidents to law enforcement authorities.