Rape-slay suspect nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - A suspect in the rape-slay of a seven-year-old in Zambales two years ago was arrested in his hideaway Saturday in Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City, police authorities said in a belated report yesterday.

Quezon City Police District director Chief Superintendent Elmo San Diego announced the arrest of Rolly Ballon, 47, single, native of San Narciso Zambales. Ballon is also one of Iba, Zambales’ most wanted persons.

Regional Trial Court Third Judicial Branch 71 Judge Consuelo Amog-Bocar issued an alias warrant for the suspect’s arrest.

In a report by Batasan Police Station 6 commander Police Superintendent Crisostomo Mendoza, Ballon was tagged in the rape-slay of a seven year-old child in Iba, Zambales in 2008. Ballon allegedly went into hiding and eluded arrest until police received a tip that the suspect was hiding at Alley 2-8 in Barangay Holy Spirit.

Police operatives conducted surveillance that resulted in the arrest of the suspect at his hideout in Barangay Holy Spirit.

The suspect was subsequently brought to the Batasan Police Station for proper disposition. Ballon faces charges of rape with homicide.