Suspect in alleged rape of minor in 2016 arrested in Pampanga

A man wanted since 2016 for alleged rape committed against a five-year-old victim was arrested in Lubao, Pampanga. 

According to John Consulta's report on "24 Oras," the suspect, Michael Calma Rodriguez, who has been in hiding for seven years was nabbed by Manila Police District (MPD) personnel. 

"Sa loob ng dalawang taon niyang pagtatago ay nahuli natin siya sa Lubao, Pampanga. Para mabigyan ng hustisya ang biktima natin, hinanap natin ito," said Police Colonel Arnold Thomas Ibay, MPD Director. 

(After hiding for two years, we found him in Lubao, Pampanga. We searched for him to give justice to the victim.) 

Rodriguez denied the allegation. 

"Paano ko po magagawa 'yon? Every time po na nandon ako sa bahay nila, nandon din po 'yung lola, kasa-kasama namin. Hindi ko 'yun magagawa 'yung binibintang nila sa akin," he said. 

(How could I do that? Every time I was in their house, her grandmother was also there. I can not do what they were accusing.) 

Aside from rape, Rodriguez was also served a separate warrant of arrest for alleged sexual assault. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA Integrated News