A WOOD gatherer who was accused of sexually harassing a five-year-old girl was arrested in Alicia town, Bohol on Thursday, February 2, 2023.

Case investigator Staff Sergeant Johnas Rey Bersano of Alicia Police Station identified the suspect as Jimmy Apat, 57, a resident of the said municipality.

Bersano said the victim confided to her parents that the suspect touched her genitals.

The parents then accompanied the girl to the police station to report the incident, which took place in October 2022.

Apat was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Jorge Espinal of Regional Trial Court Branch 51 of Carmen town, Bohol.

Bersano said Apat will be charged with sexual assault under paragraph 2, Article 266-A of the Revised Penal Code, in relation to Section 5 (b) of Republic Act 7610, otherwise known as the "Special Protection of Children Against child Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”

The court allows Apat to post P200,000 bail for his temporary liberty. (BBT/TPT)