After nearly 7 years of hiding, a pastor was arrested for allegedly raping a minor student in Occidental Mindoro.
The suspect, Richard Elmin, a church leader of a congregation in the town, was arrested in Botolan, Zambales, on Wednesday.
The 5 counts of rape filed against the pastor are without bail.
According to authorities, he allegedly raped the student who was also a member of the pastor in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro, in 2015.
Since the complaint, allegations of rape against the pastor have been received, which led to his hiding.
According to the latest data obtained by the Philippine Statistics Authority from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), more women were raped, physically abused, sexually exploited, and trafficked in 2019.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) reported an average of eight rape incidents in the Philippines during the imposed community lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The number is 53% lower, or an average of 18 victims a day, compared to the 1,289 cases documented from January 9 to March 16, 2020, before the government put most areas in the country under enhanced community quarantines to contain COVID-19.
Child rescued after being left in car in Tagum City
Bureau of Fire Protection-Davao del Norte personnel rescued a 2-year-old boy left inside an unopened vehicle in Tagum City, Wednesday afternoon.
According to the BFP-Davao del Norte, the driver allegedly left the key inside the pickup while someone was treated at the Provincial Veterinary Office. He said he did not think it would lock the door.
“Buti na lang, nag-try kami na ma-instruct yung bata na abutin yung buttons pra sa bintana, kaya yung bumaba konti ang bintana, pinilit namin na abutin ang buttons para bumukas lalo ang bintana at mabuksan na rin yung pinto,” said a BFP officer.
The child is safe.
The BFP reminded the public not to leave the child unaccompanied inside the vehicle.
“In this time of pandemic, we encourage to please let your children stay inside your home,” said the BFP.