By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation – Central Mindanao Regional Office XII (NBI-CEMRO) arrested Walter Zulla Advincula in Brgy. San Roque, Koronadal City, South Cotabato on November 19, 2024 (Tuesday) on the basis of sexual assault charges.
The South Cotabato Regional Trial Court Branch 62 issued the warrant that authorized the manhunt for Advincula, resulting in his immediate apprehension in his hideout.
The arrest was done following complaints received by NBI-CEMRO from the parents of the victims, aged 10 and 15, who alleged Advincula was committing sexual abuses against the children. It was also alleged that the abuses began in September 2024.
Advincula has been charged with statutory rape under Par. (1) (D), Art. 266-A of the Revised Penal Code as amended by Republic Act (RA) No. 8353, sexual assault in relation to Section 5 (B) of RA 7610, acts of lasciviousness under Art. 336 of the RPC in relation to Section 5 (B) of RA 7610 and lascivious conduct under Section 5 (B) of RA 7610.
He is now detained at the NBI-CEMRO in Koronadal City, South Cotabato pending the return of the arrest warrant and the issuance of a commitment order by Branch 62 to an appropriate detention facility.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago reiterated that the agency remains steadfast in its commitment to help victims in obtaining justice, especially with respect to crimes committed against minors and urged the public to support the legal process. The victims and their families are receiving not only the necessary support from government agencies but also protection as litigation continues. (with report from Rod Lagusad/PTV News)
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