Top 8 Most Wanted Person in Cagayan Valley now behind bars over charges of sexually abusing grade 9 student twice

Isabela, Philippines – A 31-year-old man spent the holiday season in jail after being arrested by police for allegedly raping a Grade 9 student twice in July 2025 in Echague, Isabela.

The suspect, identified only by the alias “Arnel,” a businessman, was tagged by police as the Top 8 Regional Most Wanted Person in the Cagayan Valley region. Arnel is facing two counts of statutory rape.

According to Police Regional Office 2, the first incident occurred on July 15, 2025, when the suspect allegedly messaged the victim—identified under the alias “Chloe”—on Messenger, inviting her to his house for a snack and promising to give her money.

Upon arriving at the suspect’s house, the victim was allegedly pulled into Arnel’s room, where he locked the door and forced her to lie on his bed, allegedly raping her. Arnel was also reported to have threatened the minor and given her money afterward.

Eight days later, at around 1:30 a.m. on July 23, Arnel allegedly messaged the victim again to come to his house. When she arrived, he reportedly pulled her into his room and forced himself on her for the second time. After the incident, Arnel allegedly threatened the victim to keep quiet.

The incidents were later reported to authorities, resulting in charges being filed against the suspect. A warrant of arrest was issued by the Regional Trial Court of the Second Judicial Region, Branch 24, in Echague on December 12, 2025.

Arnel was arrested at around 10:00 p.m. on December 25 in Echague.