LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Authorities arrested a 35-year-old man facing charges of Acts of Lasciviousness during an operation conducted inside a hospital in Legazpi City on Tuesday noon, January 6, 2026. The suspect, identified only by the alias “Robin,” is married and a resident of Barangay 13, Ilawod West Poblacion.

Personnel from the Legazpi City Police Station (CPS) carried out the arrest at a memorial hospital along Rizal Avenue in the Old Albay District at around 12:01 p.m. The operation was implemented by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued on December 19, 2025, for violation of Article 336 of the Revised Penal Code. The court recommended bail in the amount of ₱36,000 for the suspect’s temporary liberty.

In compliance with Supreme Court guidelines under A.M. No. 21-06-08-SC, arresting officers used body-worn cameras and alternative video recording devices to document the entire operation. Police said this was done to ensure transparency, protect the rights of the accused, and maintain public trust in law enforcement procedures.

After being informed of his constitutional rights in a language he understood, the suspect was brought to the police station for proper documentation. He is scheduled to be presented before the issuing court and later transferred to the custody of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

While the arrest marks a step forward in the legal process, cases involving sexual offenses often raise difficult questions beyond the apprehension of suspects. For victims, justice is not only about arrests and court proceedings, but also about timely action, emotional healing, and assurance that offenders are held accountable without delay. The fact that the suspect was arrested weeks after the warrant was issued may prompt renewed discussion on how swiftly such cases are pursued.

As communities continue to grapple with crimes that deeply affect personal dignity and safety, one question lingers: how can the justice system ensure that accountability for sexual offenses is both swift and sensitive to the needs of victims? (Larawan: Legazpi City PNP / Facebook)