Elderly Man Linked to Lodging House Incident Arrested in Cotabato

An elderly man who allegedly brought a female student inside a lodging house in Kabacan, Cotabato, was arrested.

Authorities have arrested a 60-year-old man who is being linked to the reported attempted abuse of a young girl inside a lodging house. The suspect was taken into custody on July 6 during a separate police operation conducted by the Kabacan Municipal Police Station in Barangay Katidtuan.

During the arrest, officers recovered an unlicensed .38-caliber revolver, six rounds of ammunition, and a sachet containing a substance believed to be illegal drugs.

According to police, a verification process confirmed that the man arrested was the same individual being investigated in connection with the lodging house incident involving a minor. The suspect was reportedly found while staying in the area, where residents had noticed him carrying what appeared to be a firearm.

The case circulated online after reports emerged that a young female student had been approached by the suspect while walking home from school last Friday. The man allegedly asked the child to help carry some belongings. Trusting the request and unaware of any danger, the girl accompanied him.

Investigators said the suspect later brought the child to a lodging house and allegedly introduced her as his daughter in order to check in. Once inside, the girl reportedly sensed that something was wrong.

The young victim managed to escape and run from the establishment before any further harm could occur.

Kabacan Mayor Evangeline Pascua-Guzman announced a reward of P100,000 for information that could lead to the identification and arrest of the suspect. With the suspect now in police custody, authorities are continuing their investigation into the allegations involving the minor.

Aside from the complaint related to the lodging house incident, the man is also facing charges for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition under Republic Act No. 10591, as well as possession of illegal drugs under Republic Act No. 9165.

Police are now preparing the necessary cases while continuing efforts to ensure justice for the young victim.

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