Cops rescue minor; suspect nab in entrapment ops

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- A 14-year-old victim of cybercrime was rescued during an entrapment operation in Malilipot, Albay over the weekend, the Police Regional Office in Bicol reported Monday.

PRO-5 Director Brig. Gen. Nestor Babagay Jr. identified the suspect as a 29-year-old man known by the alias "Anton," who resides in Malinao.

Babagay said the operation was initiated after the victim and her mother reported that her online chatmate was threatening the minor to meet in person.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had met the victim on three previous occasions.

Police arrested the suspect after he arrived to pick up the victim and took her to an inn in Malilipot.

A case against the suspect is now being prepared for violating Republic Act 7610, which provides special protection for children against abuse, exploitation, and discrimination, in relation to the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.

Babagay reminded parents and guardians to stay vigilant while monitoring their children’s online activities.

“We urge the public to never trust strangers met online. If you or someone you know is in a similar situation, report it immediately to the nearest police station. Protecting our children is a responsibility we must all share,” he said.

Meanwhile a total of 81 wanted persons facing various criminal charges were arrested from Sept. 1 to 7, the Police Regional Office in Bicol reported Tuesday.

Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) said among those apprehended were seven regional most wanted persons, four provincial, one city level, 10 municipal level, and 59 others.

During the week-long operations, the number one regional most wanted known as alias Joe, was arrested on Sept. 6 in Port Calatagan in Batangas through a joint operation carried out by Bicol and Batangas police units and the Philippine Coast Guard Sub-Station Calatagan.

He is facing charges – 21 counts of attempted qualified rape of a minor and an additional case of rape by sexual assault.

Also arrested was alias Reming of Jovellar, Albay, ranked No. 4 in Bicol’s most wanted list, facing two counts of statutory rape.

Meanwhile, alias Jino of Magallanes, Sorsogon, the No. 5 most wanted, was collared for rape and sexual assault, with bail set at PHP180,000.

The week’s operation also led to the apprehension of alias Rey, listed as No. 10 most wanted in the region, who was captured in Cubao, Quezon City, for qualified rape of a minor. (PNA)