A 34-year-old tricycle driver in General Santos City was arrested for allegedly attempting to rape his 11-year-old female passenger.

Authorities said the suspect allegedly tried to assault the victim sexually at a grassy area after dropping off three other students.

Police said based on the victim’s accounts, the suspect allegedly covered her mouth and punched her, but she managed to escape.

“Ang kwento ng biktima natin, which is a minor, tinabunan na niya ang bunganga niya, sinuntok na siya sa sikmura, sinuntok na din sa mukha buti na lang, nagpumiglas siya, nakatakbo siya at nakahingi ng tulong sa ating concerned citizen, and then, pagbalik nila sa area, naabutan ng concerned citizen ang suspek at doon na siya in-apprehend,” Police Station 2 Commander, Major Miguel Angelo Quidilla, said.

Concerned residents cornered and beat the suspect, who sustained injuries.

The suspect owned up to the crime, but claimed he stopped after he thought of his own child.

“Wala nako siya gidayon kay naluoy ko kay naisip nako ang akong anak. Ingon ko, ‘Gang, ihatod na lang taka sa inyo, kay naluoy na man ko kadugay, mao tong ingon to siya sa akoa, ‘Kuya, dili na lang ko magsakay, magbaktas.’ Mao to siya, naglakaw na to siya,” the suspect said.

The victim is now with her family while the suspect may face multiple charges.

“Sa ngayon, ongoing ang ating inquest proceeding sa fiscal office and magpa-file tayo ng complaint na in relation lahat sa RA 7610, yung acts of lasciviousness, physical assault, at saka emotional violence,” Quidilla said.

The suspect has asked forgiveness from the victim’s family.

“Mangayo ko sa ila og pasaylo nga unta naluoy man ko sa ilaha, wala man nako giunsa wala nako gidayon ang ako plano sa iyaha. Naa pud ko’y anak nga ginabuhi tapos naa pud koy mama nga ginabuhi,” the suspect said.