KABACAN, Cotabato — Police authorities have launched an intensive manhunt for an elderly man who allegedly attempted to sexually assault a grade school girl after luring her into a lodging house in Kabacan, Cotabato, prompting the local government to offer a P100,000 cash reward for information leading to his arrest.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 3, has sparked widespread concern among parents and residents after surveillance footage from the lodging house showed the minor narrowly escaping from the suspect.
According to the Kabacan Municipal Police Station, the girl, identified only by the alias “Joan” to protect her identity, was walking home from school at around 11 a.m. when she was approached by the elderly man.
Police said the suspect asked the child to help carry his belongings. Trusting the man’s request, the unsuspecting girl accompanied him. However, instead of taking her to another location, the suspect allegedly brought her to a lodging house in the municipality.
Investigators said the man reportedly deceived the establishment’s cashier by claiming that the child was his daughter, enabling them to check into a room.
Once inside, the suspect allegedly attempted to lure the girl by offering her money and a drink while asking her to sit beside him.
Authorities said the child became alarmed after sensing something was wrong. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind, she noticed that the room’s door was unlocked, pushed the suspect away, and immediately ran out of the room.
CCTV footage from the establishment reportedly captured the suspect chasing the fleeing child despite his apparent difficulty in walking, underscoring the danger the victim faced before she managed to escape and safely return home.
The child’s mother later reported the incident to the Kabacan police, triggering an immediate investigation and a search operation for the suspect, who remains at large.
In response to the incident, Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman announced on July 4 that the municipal government is offering a P100,000 reward to anyone who can provide credible information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspect.
The mayor appealed to the public to cooperate with authorities to ensure the suspect is apprehended and prevented from harming other children.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (MSWDO) has extended psychosocial support to the victim, who is currently undergoing psychological debriefing to help her cope with the trauma caused by the incident.
Police have also reminded parents and guardians to educate children about the risks of accompanying strangers, regardless of age or appearance, and to immediately report any suspicious behavior to authorities.
The Kabacan Municipal Police Station urged anyone with information on the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to immediately contact its hotline at 0998-962-6030.
Authorities are preparing the appropriate criminal charges against the suspect once he is arrested as the investigation continues.