A 71-year-old incumbent barangay kagawad was arrested by police in South Upi, Maguindanao del Sur, in connection with an alleged child abuse case, underscoring the Philippine National Police’s warning that public position does not shield anyone from accountability under the law.
The suspect was apprehended on August 7, 2026, by operatives of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), through its MFU Cotabato Satellite Office, in coordination with the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PROBAR).
Police officers implemented a Warrant of Arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 27 of the Twelfth Judicial Region in Cotabato City against the suspect, who is a resident of South Upi and currently serving as a barangay kagawad.
The elderly suspect is facing a criminal charge for alleged violation of Section 10(a) of Republic Act No. 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. The provision forms part of the country’s legal framework aimed at protecting children from abuse, exploitation and other forms of harm.
Authorities did not release details regarding the alleged circumstances of the child abuse case, particularly information that could identify the alleged child victim.
Following his arrest, the suspect was placed under the custody of the PNP-AKG while authorities process the proper return of the Warrant of Arrest to the issuing court.
PNP: Public Position Is Not an Exemption From the Law
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. stressed that the arrest demonstrates the police organization’s commitment to enforcing lawful court orders regardless of a person’s age, position or standing in the community.
“Public office carries a duty to uphold the law, not an exemption from it. The PNP will act firmly on lawful warrants and ensure that every arrest is carried out with professionalism and respect for due process.”
Nartatez also emphasized that cases involving the protection of children require decisive action from law enforcement authorities and the broader community.
“Ang proteksyon ng mga bata ay pananagutan nating lahat. Kapag may batas na nilabag, dapat itong harapin at dapat manaig ang hustisya.”
The PNP Chief’s statement highlights the principle that public officials and community leaders are expected to uphold the law and protect vulnerable members of society, rather than receive preferential treatment because of their position.
Part of PNP’s Focused Law Enforcement Drive
The operation was carried out as part of the PNP Focused Agenda, a transformation framework intended to improve police effectiveness through decisive, disciplined and well-managed law enforcement operations.
The arrest directly supports the agenda’s priority on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, particularly the effective implementation of court-issued warrants and the apprehension of wanted persons.
Police authorities reiterated that the implementation of warrants must be conducted within the bounds of the law, with respect for the constitutional rights and due process of the person being arrested.
At the same time, the arrest sends a strong message to public officials and community leaders that holding an elected or appointed position does not place anyone beyond the reach of the justice system.
The suspect remains entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty by a competent court. The filing and enforcement of the warrant signify that the case will now proceed through the judicial process, where the allegations against him will be determined based on evidence and applicable law.