Disturbing incident unfolds in Tuguegarao City as helper faces arrest after touching women’s private parts

Tuguegarao City, Cagayan - " I've never been the same since that incident... I've become scared of men, even if they're people close to me, friends and family members", one of the victims posted on her social media account, following the harassment incident transpired in January 2024.

An 18-year-old man was arrested by authorities on Wednesday, February 8, for allegedly touching the private parts of his female victims in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

The accused, aged 18, is a resident of Barangay Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, and works as a helper.

In her interview with local media, Police Captain Anna Marie Anog stated that their office immediately launched an investigation after Mayor Maila Ting-Que posted some of the victims’ complaints on her Facebook account.

With the assistance of CCTV cameras in the city, investigators were able to identify the suspect and apprehend him within four days.

According to police reports, the suspect has been committing crimes in various barangays in the city since January and February.

The victims reported that the suspect would suddenly approach them while they were walking, and then grab their private parts, particularly their breasts and buttocks.

In his defence, the man claimed that his actions were merely a result of his attraction to his victims' attire.

He is currently in custody at the Tuguegarao City Police Station for proper documentation and will be charged under A336, or the Acts of Lasciviousness.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ting-Que urged other victims of the suspect to come forward and report him for appropriate sanctions.