DECEMBER 30, 2025 — A 72-year-old former barangay tanod was taken into police custody after a video surfaced showing him allegedly molesting his 4-year-old neighbor atop a tricycle roof in Barangay Laurel, San Pascual, Batangas.

Authorities said the footage, recorded by a concerned resident around 2 p.m. Monday, captured the assault in progress. The act stopped only when the suspect noticed the child’s mother stepping out of their apartment, unaware of what was happening nearby.

Barangay officials quickly secured the suspect’s residence inside the same compound where the victim’s family lives. Police arrived within minutes and arrested the man without resistance.

“Mabilis lang po, wala po siguro limang minuto nakarating na kaagad kami doon sa area. Nakuha namin yun suspek pagkakuha naming noon report sa amin,” said PMaj. Raymond Dayagan, chief of San Pascual Municipal Police Station. 

(It only took about five minutes for us to reach the area and apprehend the suspect after receiving the report.)

“Hindi naman po siya pumalag at naglalakad lang naman po siya noong makuha natin, sumama naman po siya nang maayos,” he added. 

(He did not resist and simply walked with us when we took him.)

The child’s mother, informed after the arrest, expressed outrage. She said her daughter had trusted the suspect deeply, even treating him like her own grandfather.

“Sobra po, napakalapit na ng loob ng bata, at dahil nga po areh ay sabik sa mga lolo kasi kami lang po lagi mag-asawa ang kasama,” she said. 

(My child grew close to him because she longed for a grandfather figure, since only my husband and I are around.)

Investigators revealed the victim disclosed that the suspect had allegedly abused her multiple times since she was three years old, luring her with promises of a cellphone.

Her parents vowed to pursue justice. 

“Gusto ko po siya na mabulok sa kulungan … sobrang kahayupan naman ang ginawa,” the mother said. 

(I want him to rot in jail … what he did was pure cruelty.)

The father added, “Pagbayaran niya po ang kasalanan ginawa niya sa anak ko … Ilalaban ho namin ang kaso kahit saan dumating.” 

(He must pay for what he did to my child … We will fight this case wherever it goes.)

Police confirmed rape charges have been filed, citing strong evidence.

Teaching children to speak up

Many families look to older figures for guidance and protection, but this incident is a reminder that kids need to learn how to speak up, set boundaries, and recognize when something doesn’t feel right. 

Not every show of care is genuine, and that’s a hard truth parents and kids have to confront.

(Image: Wikipedia)