CCPO identifies suspect in Basak-San Nicolas rape case

CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Cebu City police said they have identified the suspect in the alleged rape of a female store employee in Barangay Basak-San Nicolas, Cebu City, on July 7, 2026.

Authorities are now conducting a hot pursuit operation to locate and arrest the suspect.

The victim has already executed an affidavit for the filing of a case, Police Lieutenant Colonel Franco Rudolf Oriol, Cebu City Police Office deputy city director for administration, said on July 13.

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Left alone with the suspect

The establishment operates as a water refilling station during the day. At night, the same space is used as a store that also sells drinks, according to Oriol.

The encounter took place early morning when only the victim and the suspect, who was a customer at the time, were left inside the establishment.

The victim reportedly found it unusual that the suspect stayed behind after other customers had left.

Unknown to the victim at the time, the suspect had allegedly planned the attack, according to Oriol.

Weapon pointed at victim

Prior to the assault, the suspect allegedly threatened the victim with a knife inside the establishment, Oriol said.

“Gitiunan niya ang biktima, og didto gyud mismo nakuha sa CCTV,” Oriol said.

(He pointed a weapon at the victim, and that was captured right there on the CCTV.)

The incident was recorded on the establishment’s video surveillance system, which police said was essential in identifying the Basak-San Nicolas rape suspect.

No report of theft during the incident.

Oriol refused to disclose further details regarding the case, including the suspect and the victim’s identity, as investigation is still ongoing.

Mambaling Police Station is preparing the documents needed to formally file a rape case against the suspect, according to Oriol.

“Naa na nato ang kumpletong ebidensya, ang CCTV unya ang identity. Ang kulang nalang karon is malocate sa atoang mga imbestigador, kay naa pa’y hot pursuit operation,” Oriol said.

(We already have complete evidence, the CCTV footage and the identity. What remains is for our investigators to locate him, as the hot pursuit operation is still ongoing.)

The case will be filed once the suspect has been arrested.

CCTV for businesses

Oriol appealed to business establishments, especially those operating at night, to ensure their security cameras stay functional.

“Be very mindful sa ilang security, apil na diha, to make sure nga functional ang mga CCTV. Kay kini nga kaso, dako kaayo ang natabang sa CCTV para sa identification sa mga suspects,” Oriol said.

(Be very mindful of their security, including making sure their CCTV systems are functional. Because in this case, the CCTV was a huge help in identifying suspects.)

He said CCTV footage proved to be a major factor in identifying the suspect and could similarly help resolve other crimes at commercial establishments.

The suspect remains at large, with the CCPO’s hot pursuit operation still ongoing.

The victim in the Basak-San Nicolas rape has already given her account to police and is cooperating with the investigation.

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