Dorm caretaker nabbed after rape allegation

A months-long manhunt ended in Bacolor, Pampanga with the arrest of a man accused of raping a 19-year-old college student in a dormitory in Aklan.

According to Emil Sumangil’s exclusive report for 24 Oras, the suspect, identified by police as Alvin Lacson, went into hiding after the incident, which took place in a student dormitory where he worked as caretaker. He was tracked down and arrested by operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Maritime Group.

According to police, Lacson was trusted with the safety and daily needs of students living in the dorm. But the victim, one of the tenants, later accused him of sexual assault, alleging that the incident happened one night inside the premises.

Lacson fled Aklan shortly after the report was filed, leading authorities to pursue him across regions. He was eventually located in Pampanga.

“Alam natin mag-e-eleksyon, at siguro hindi niya inakala… busy ang kapulisan… na hindi na maaala yung kanyang kaso,” said Police Brigadier General Jonathan Cabal, Director of the PNP Maritime Group.

(We knew the elections were coming, and maybe he thought the police would be too busy and would forget about his case.)

The suspect, meanwhile, admitted to being involved in the incident but insisted it was not forced.

“Natukso lang kami… nung gabi na 'yun,” he said. (We were just tempted... that night.)

When asked whether he forced the victim, Lacson responded:

“Hindi po.” (No, I did not.)

“Kasi siya naman ang nagpunta sa akin… siya tumabi sakin.” (Because she came to me... she lay beside me.)

He also expressed remorse and a desire to settle the issue privately.

“Humihingi rin ako ng tawad sa nangyari na 'yun… Aregluhin na lang namin… may pamilya rin ako.” (I’m also asking for forgiveness for what happened... I hope we can just settle this... I have a family too.)

The victim declined to issue a public statement.

Authorities said legal proceedings will continue and emphasized that justice for the victim remains their priority.