By CESAR JOLITO III

Authorities arrested the general manager of the Sipalay City Water District following the service of arrest warrants for multiple rape-related charges.

The suspect, identified by police only through the alias “Edgardo,” 48 years old, was apprehended on the evening of May 21 at Purok 3 in Sipalay City’s Barangay 3.

Police said the arrest stemmed from warrants issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 77 of the 6th Judicial Region in Sipalay for two counts of rape and one count of rape by sexual assault.

Police said the two rape charges carry no recommended bail, while the rape by sexual assault case has a recommended bail set at P120,000.

Investigators also disclosed that the suspect had previously been arrested on April 13 over two counts of acts of lasciviousness, with total bail previously set at P72,000.

The accused is currently under police custody pending proper legal proceedings and further investigation.

Authorities added that the suspect declined to issue any statement regarding the complaints filed against him./CJ, WDJ