Police operatives nab three rape suspects in Minalabac, Del Gallego and Calabanga

By Paulo DS. Papa

Police authorities in Minalabac, Del Gallego, and Calabanga towns in Camarines Sur have arrested three rape suspects who were hiding from the law in separate operations.

Maj. Ryan Bagasala, Minalabac police chief, identified the suspect as Nestor Llagas, 59, of barangay San Jose, who was arrested at around 9:00 AM of July 1, after 18 years of hiding from the law.

In an interview, Bagasala told Bicol Mail that the crime of rape was committed by the suspect sometime in 2001. Bagasala did not name the victim to protect her identity.

He confirmed that the warrant of arrest against Llagas was issued by RTC Judge Marino Badiola Sr., on Dec. 1, 2003 without bail recommended. Llagas is listed as Minalabac’s top most wanted person.

On the same day, July 1, policemen nabbed Joel Chaves, 35, laborer, of barangay Sta Cruz Quipayo in Calabanga, Camarines Sur.

Lt. Mark España, Calabanga deputy police chief, said that the suspect, Calabanga’s Top 2 most wanted, is facing rape and act of lasciviousness cases.

He said, the suspect raped and sexually abused a minor. RTC Branch 63 Judge Erwin Virgilio-Ferrer issued a arrest warrant against the suspect on Jan. 29 this year without bail recommended.

In addition, MTC Judge Maria Christine Imperial-Bernarte also issued a warrant of arrest on April 6 against the suspect for the crime of act of lasciviousness with a bail set at P36,000.

Two hours later on the same day, another rape suspect in Del Gallego town was arrested in barangay Poblacion.

In a text message, Lt. Christian Oida of Del Gallego Municipal Police Station identified the suspect as Dominador Azuela, 43, farmer, of barangay Mabini of the same town.

He said that the suspected is charged of four counts of rape. He did not identify the victim to protect her identity.