2 suspects in separate multiple rape cases arrested in Zamboanga City

COTABATO CITY — Two men, wanted for multiple rape cases, were arrested in separate police operations in Zamboanga City on Wednesday.

Officials of the Police Regional Office-9 and the Zamboanga City Police Office were quoted in radio reports here on Thursday as saying that the duo, Joel Erasga and Rexy Gonzales, were arrested in Barangays Zone 1 and in Boalan, respectively.

Erasga is wanted for nine cases of rape pending in the Family Court Branch 7 in Zamboanga City.

Officials of PRO-9 and the Zamboanga City CPO told reporters that he yielded peacefully when he was shown copies of warrants for his arrest signed by Judge Ivy Damayo Elviña, dated May 13, 2024.

Rexy Gonzales, also wanted for multiple rape cases filed at the Regional Trial Court Branch 15 in Zamboanga City, was cornered by a police team after the arrest of Erasga.

Gonzales also turned himself in without any resistance when he was shown warrants for his arrest issued by Judge Peter Eisma, also dated May 13, 2024.

The judges who ordered their arrest have not recommended any bail for their temporary release from detention.Erasga and Gonzales shall remain detained until the courts have ruled on the rape cases filed against them.