A man was arrested after allegedly attempting to kidnap a minor girl around noon on March 11 in Barangay Bateria, Daanbantayan, Cebu.
According to the victim, identified only as Alias Nena, she was walking to school when a man riding a motorcycle approached her. The suspect was reportedly wearing a full-face helmet.
The suspect allegedly stopped his motorcycle in front of the girl and tried to force her to ride the vehicle.
The victim refused because she did not know the man. However, the suspect allegedly threatened her after showing a knife tucked in his waist.
Despite her resistance, the girl was reportedly brought along as the motorcycle headed toward Bogo City.
When they reached an area in front of a public cemetery, the victim saw an opportunity to escape.
She shouted for help and pretended that the people standing at a nearby corner were her parents. This caused the suspect to stop.
The girl quickly got off the motorcycle and ran away from the suspect.
The incident was captured on a closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera. The footage later circulated online.
Authorities said the video helped in identifying the suspect.
Through coordination between the police and barangay officials, the suspect was later arrested.
Police did not immediately release further details about the identity of the suspect or the charges that may be filed.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety of minors in the area.
Authorities urged the public, particularly parents and students, to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious individuals or incidents to local officials or the police.
The investigation into the case is ongoing.
