QC horror: Toddler abducted from sidewalk, allegedly molested; predator apprehended by authorities

• A two-year-old girl was kidnapped while sleeping on a Quezon City sidewalk with her parents, with the incident partially captured on CCTV footage

• The abducted child was later rescued by authorities, who reportedly found the 26-year-old suspect allegedly molesting her at the time of apprehension, according to a report by GMA News' 24 Oras

• Police revealed the apprehended suspect has previous records for alleged child abus3, kidnapping another child, and theft, indicating a pattern of targeting vulnerable individuals

• The suspect faces serious charges including kidnapping, violation of the Expanded Law on Rap3 (RA 8353), and violation of the Anti-Child Abus3 Law (RA 7610), carrying stringent penalties

A shocking incident unfolded in Quezon City early Thursday morning when a two-year-old girl, sleeping on a sidewalk alongside her scavenger parents, was abducted by a man who then allegedly molested her.

The distressing event, partially captured on CCTV footage, ended with the swift rescue of the child and the apprehension of the suspect, who reportedly has a history of similar offenses.

The harrowing abduction occurred while the toddler's parents, engaged in scavenging work, were asleep on a city sidewalk.

Surveillance camera footage crucial to the investigation shared by GMA's 24 Oras showed a male suspect calmly approaching the sleeping family and then lifting the defenseless child before fleeing the scene.

A quick-thinking bystander witnessed the abduction unfold and immediately alerted the sleeping parents.

However, by the time they were fully roused, the perpetrator had already made his escape, reportedly boarding a jeepney with the child.

Police launched an immediate search operation. The following morning, authorities successfully located and rescued the two-year-old.

The suspect, identified as a 26-year-old man, was reportedly found in the act of allegedly molesting the child at the time of his apprehension.

Upon his arrest, the suspect offered a chilling explanation for his actions, claiming he had taken the child with the intention of forcing her to beg on the streets.

He was heard expressing remorse, stating, "I'm sorry for what I did to your child. I ask for forgiveness."

However, law enforcement officials quickly dismissed this explanation in light of the circumstances and the suspect's alleged criminal history.

Authorities revealed that the apprehended individual is not new to the criminal justice system. Police records indicate that he has previous arrests for alleged child abus3, the kidnapping of another child, and theft.

This disturbing pattern of behavior underscores the grave threat he allegedly poses to vulnerable individuals.

The suspect now faces severe legal repercussions. He is slated to be charged with kidnapping, a grave offense under Philippine law.

Furthermore, he will be charged with violations of the Expanded Law on Rap3 (Republic Act No. 8353) and the Anti-Child Abus3 Law (Republic Act No. 7610).

These statutes are designed to provide robust protection for children and carry stringent penalties, including lengthy imprisonment, reflecting the state's firm stance against crimes targeting minors.

The child's mother has expressed her unwavering determination to pursue all legal avenues and press charges against the suspect, seeking justice for her traumatized daughter.

This tragic incident casts a harsh light on the acute vulnerabilities faced by children living on the streets, who are disproportionately exposed to exploitation, abduction, and various forms of abuse.

It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and social support systems for marginalized families and their children in urban centers.

The swift police response in rescuing the child and apprehending the suspect has been commended, but the incident continues to resonate deeply within the community, renewing calls for greater vigilance and collective efforts to safeguard the nation's most vulnerable.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

In other news, the body of missing TNVS driver Raymond Cabrera was found buried in Barangay Batitang, Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija, as reported by News5. NBI agents, accompanied by three arrested suspects, led the search in the area where Cabrera's remains were interred. Cabrera had been missing since May 18 after failing to return home from a ride-booking trip. Forensic examination is still ongoing, while the motive and identities of the suspects have not yet been revealed.

Still in other news, a one-month-old baby allegedly being sold for ₱90,000 on Facebook was rescued by the PNP Women and Children Protection Center. The rescue was made through an entrapment operation in Pasay City on July 3. Undersecretary Janella Ejercito Estrada called the act “immoral, irresponsible and selfish,” urging struggling parents to seek help from local authorities instead of exploiting children. So far this year, the PNP WCPC has rescued 11 children and arrested 16 individuals involved in online baby selling, with one already convicted.

Source: KAMI.com.gh