A 37-year-old habal-habal driver was arrested in Manila after allegedly raping an 11-year-old girl in Cebu, according to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG). The suspect was intercepted at Pier 4 in Tondo after fleeing by boat from Cebu, where the crime reportedly took place.

March 11, 2026 — Police said the suspect lured the girl with P200 to accompany him to a grassy area in Barangay Calunasan, Cebu City, last Saturday, where he allegedly raped her. CIDG NCR Chief Col. 

John Guiagui explained, “He made an effort to get closer to the 11-year-old,” noting that the suspect had previously given her small amounts of money ranging from P50 to P200 on several occasions.

After the assault, the suspect attempted to drive the girl home but encountered a police checkpoint. “He was scared. He let the child go. He had her taken home by other drivers,” Guiagui said. Upon arriving home, the girl complained of bleeding and was taken to a hospital for medical treatment.

Investigators reported that the suspect fled to his father’s home in southern Cebu, where his father allegedly gave him P6,000 to escape. He then traveled by boat from Cebu to Iloilo, Bacolod, and finally Manila, where police operatives arrested him upon arrival. Authorities are also exploring whether the father could face charges for aiding his son’s escape.

The suspect is now in CIDG custody and will be turned over to the Cebu City Police Office. He faces charges under Republic Act No. 7610, the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

The case has sparked outrage in Cebu and beyond, with child protection advocates calling for stronger safeguards against sexual violence. Police urged communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior to prevent similar incidents.