A 59-year-old grandfather facing multiple rape charges and listed among the top 20 most-wanted persons in Negros Occidental, was arrested in Purok 6, Brgy. IX, in Victorias City, Monday, after almost a year of hiding from the police.

Supt. Modesto Sanson, Victorias police chief, yesterday identified the suspect as Ricardo Lapu-os, 59, whose apprehension Monday was made by virtue of an arrest warrant issued by Silay City Regional Trial Court Judge Felipe Banzon.

Sanson said Banzon has denied bail to Lapu-os.

Police investigation showed that Lapu-os, alias Cardo Ginamos, allegedly molested several times a 9-year-old victim, who used to work with him as a house helper. The presence of Lapu-os at Hacienda Dolores in Brgy. 20, Victorias City was reported to the police by a concerned resident, Sanson said.

A police tracking team composed of PO3 Minardo Ellaga, PO1 Joemarie Villarias and PO1 Winny Villaro, was immediately dispatched by Sanson to arrest Lapu-os, a retrenched employee of the Victorias Milling Co. who had been assigned at the transloading station in Daan Banwa of the city.

Sanson said Lapu-os transferred his residence from Hacienda Dolores, Brgy. 20 to Daan Banwa in Victorias City, to avoid arrest.

Sanson said Lapu-os will be transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Victorias City, as soon as he receives a commitment order from the court.

The family of the molested minor was jubilant over the arrest of the suspect, police said.*GPB

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