OPERATIVES of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) have arrested a 58-year-old man for violating Republic Act 7610, otherwise known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”

Police Colonel John Francis Encinareal, CIDG-Zamboanga Peninsula director, identified the arrested suspect as Ernesto Bernardo, a resident of Zone 6 in Ayala village, Zamboanga City.

Encinareal said Bernardo was arrested in a law enforcement operation by way of service of warrant of arrest around 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 7, at Zone 6 in Ayala village.

He said that Bernardo has a pending warrant of arrest for violation of RA 7610 with a recommended bail bond of P80,000 issued by a court of Zamboanga City.

Encinareal said the arrested suspect allegedly physically abused a 13-year-old girl and the case against Bernardo was filed by the victim’s mother.

He said that Bernardo was placed under the temporary custody of the office of the CIDG-Zamboanga City field unit. (SunStar Zamboanga)