A 44-year-old pedicab driver was arrested on Thursday, March 5, 2026, for allegedly raping his neighbor, a six-year-old girl, in Barangay Puntod, Cagayan de Oro City.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the suspect identified as alias “Maning” was arrested by virtue of a warrant for two counts of statutory rape in relation to the Special Protection of Chidlren Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act (RA 7610) issued on March 3, 2026.

Based on investigation, the suspect allegedly raped the victim inside her house in August and September 2025.

PRO-10 said the incident was reported during an anti-human trafficking operation conducted with non-government organizations and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), where the victim’s sister was rescued.

During the operation, the mother revealed to authorities that her other child had been abused sexually, prompting authorities to launch the operation and rescue the victim for proper intervention.

The suspect is now detained.

“We remain relentless in our pursuit of individuals who exploit and harm children. Crimes against minors are among the gravest offenses, and we will ensure that perpetrators are held accountable before the law. We encourage the community to continue working with the police in protecting our children and reporting any form of abuse,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.