POLICE arrested on Sunday, February 21, 2021, a 56-year-old farmer from Gandara, Samar who had been wanted for alleged rape for 17 years.

Accused, Mamerto “Metong” Maudo, a resident of Barangay Concepcion, Gandara, was arrested around 4:30 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Bagong Silang, Babatngon, Leyte.

The accused was facing a warrant dated April 30, 2004, for rape, which was issued by presiding judge Rosario Bandal of Regional Trial Court-Branch 41 in Gandara.

The judge recommended a bail of P120,000 for the temporary liberty of the accused, police said in the report.

The operating units included the 1st and 2nd Samar Police Mobile Force Company, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Western Samar Provincial Field Unit led by Major Normal Ala, Samar Provincial Intelligence Unit, Gandara Municipal Police Station, and Babatngon Municipal Police Station.

The accused was brought to Babatngon Municipal Police Station for documentation prior to turnover to the court of origin. (SunStar Philippines)