Filtered By: Topstories
News

Suspect in rape of girl found tied up and bruised under Cainta bridge nabbed


 

Police on Tuesday night arrested the suspect in the rape and attempted killing of a nine-year-old girl who was found tied up and bruised under a bridge in Cainta, Rizal, according to Bam Alegre's exclusive report on Unang Balita on Wednesday.

The suspect, an ex-convict named Pepito Tagal, was arrested in Barangay San Roque in Cubao, Quezon City, after his wife informed barangay authorities about his whereabouts.

Tagal had spent 13 years at the New Bilibid Prison after he was convicted of robbery. Authorities said he is also a drug addict.

"May pumunta sa amin dito na concerned citizen na napanood daw niya sa TV itong lalaki na ito so agad-agad kami pumunta sa may Boni Serrano, sa may 20th Avenue," said Kagawad Ramil Singson of Barangay San Roque.

Tagal was sleeping inside a tricycle when approached by barangay authorities. Seized from him were an ice pick and an improvised Swiss knife.

The suspect denied abusing the child, who was found tied up and bruised by a passerby under the Ortigas Extension bridge on Monday.

"Wala akong alam na panggagahasa na 'yan," he said. "Hindi totoo iyon."

Tagal also said the girl's parents are his friends.

The suspect was under the custody of the Quezon City Police District as of posting time but will be eventually turned over to the Cainta police.

Earlier reports said the victim had bruises all over her body and was vomiting blood, which was a symptom of a brain injury. She also reportedly confirmed on video that she had been strangled and raped.

Community volunteers said drug paraphernalia like lighters and foil were found in the area under the bridge, which is now believed to be a possible hideout for drug users. —KBK, GMA News

Tags: rape, rpcrimes, cainta
LOADING CONTENT