CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — A 57-year-old man listed among Northern Mindanao’s most wanted persons was arrested in a manhunt operation conducted by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) in Bukidnon, authorities confirmed.
The suspect, identified only as “Juan,” was apprehended in Barangay Impalutao, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon by operatives of the CIDG Misamis Oriental/Camiguin Provincial Field Unit in coordination with the Gingoog City Police Station. His arrest was carried out by virtue of a warrant issued on March 10, 2026 by a court in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, for three counts of statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness.
According to police reports, the accused is the grandfather of the 11-year-old victim and is listed as the No. 4 Most Wanted Person at the regional level under Police Regional Office 10.
Investigators said the abuse allegedly took place inside their home in Barangay San Jose, Gingoog City. The first incident reportedly occurred on September 22, 2025, at around noon, and was followed by another on September 29, 2025.
Out of fear and trauma, the minor initially kept silent about her ordeal. It was only in December 2025 when she gathered the courage to disclose the abuse to her father. The incidents were immediately reported to authorities, prompting an investigation and the eventual issuance of an arrest warrant.
Police emphasized the gravity of the case, noting the betrayal of trust involved as the suspect is a direct family member of the victim.
The arrest was part of the intensified nationwide manhunt operations in line with the directive of Philippine National Police Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., aimed at tracking down fugitives, particularly those accused of heinous crimes.
CIDG Director Police Major General Robert A.A. Morico II commended the operating units, including CIDG Regional Field Unit 10 Chief Police Colonel Jonathan B. Papay and Misamis Oriental Provincial Field Unit head Police Major John Paul R. Abangan, for the successful capture.
“With his arrest, he can no longer roam freely in the community like a predator waiting for prey,” the CIDG said in a statement, underscoring its commitment to protecting women and children from abuse.
Authorities assured the public that efforts to pursue and arrest fugitives—especially those involved in crimes against minors—will continue relentlessly, as they push to deliver justice for victims and ensure community safety.
The accused is now under police custody and will face charges in court.