Alleged serial rapist falls

MANILA, Philippines — An alleged serial rapist was arrested in Quezon City over the weekend, the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) announced yesterday.

QCPD director Brig. Gen. Remus Medina identified the suspect as Mhelo Monsada, 35, who is accused of raping three girls and a woman in June 2021.

Monsada was arrested along Commonwealth Avenue in Barangay Holy Spirit at around 5 p.m., Medina said in a statement.

The suspect yielded a .22 caliber handgun, an MK-2 grenade, four bullets, a Honda motorcycle and P2,000 in cash.

The manhunt for Monsada stemmed from the complaints of his four victims.

One of the victims told probers Monsada raped her on June 6, 2021 in Barangay Pasong Tamo.

The three other victims said the suspect abducted and raped them on separate occasions in the same barangay, two on June 7, 2021 and one on June 15, 2021.

Acting on a tip from a confidential informant, operatives of QCPD Station 14 conducted a follow-up operation against the suspect.

Medina said Monsada is also reportedly involved in robberies in Quezon City, Marikina, Bulacan and Cavite.

Charges of rape, illegal possession of firearm and ammunition, illegal possession of an explosive and violation of the election-related gun ban were filed against the suspect.