Man with 15 robbery cases nabbed for alleged molestation in parking lot

A man accused of sexually assaulting a woman in a parking lot in Angeles City, Pampanga, and linked to at least 15 robbery and sexual offense cases has been arrested, police said.

The suspect was apprehended on Thursday in a parking lot in San Fernando City, Pampanga by operatives of the Police Drug Enforcement Group in coordination with the Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3), according to a "24 Oras" report by John Consulta.

“Iba-ibang approach. Minsan, by chance lang kung ano ang makita niya. Meron naman talagang binabalik balikan niya. Inaaral niya yung establishment kung saan ang tao, CCTV," said Police Brigadier General Jess Mendez of PRO3.

(He uses different approaches. Sometimes, he targets victims based on opportunity. Other times, he repeatedly returns to the same place, studying the establishment, the people there, and the locations of the CCTV cameras.)

His latest victim was a woman whom he followed in a parking lot and allegedly molested inside her car.

The victim said the suspect pointed a gun at her and forced her to get inside her vehicle.

"Nagmamakaawa ako sa kanya, sabi ko huwag mo akong papatayin. May anak akong naghihintay sa akin. May mga pamangkin pa akong pinapaaral," the victim said.

(I begged him not to kill me. I told him I have a child waiting for me at home, and that I also have nieces and nephews whose education I'm supporting.)

The victim said the man took her cellphone and money, and then told her to take off her clothes. She added that her hands were tied to the steering wheel.

When she got the chance, she got out of her vehicle and sought help from the passersby.

CCTV footage showed the suspect fleeing aboard a tricycle and changing clothes.

Police carried out an operation after the suspect was spotted in a parking lot in San Fernando, Pampanga, where he was arrested.

It was discovered that he was previously jailed for theft and carnapping.

“Nakasuhan siya, nakulong, 'yung kaso niya is saying na one year lang siya through good behavior. 'Pag nakawala siya, gagawa na naman ng krimen," Mendez said.

(He was charged and jailed, but his sentence was reduced to about one year because of good behavior. Once he's released, he commits another crime again.)

Following his arrest, two of his alleged victims showed up, including a minor.

The suspect has yet to give a statement. —LDF, GMA News