A resident of San Andres town who has been accused of four counts of rape was apprehended last week in the Mindanao province of Zamboanga Sibugay, about 800 kilometers from Catanduanes.
Listed as the No. 6 Regional Most Wanted Person in the Bicol region, Jose Eraso Lucero, 69, described as jobless, was collared in barangay Aguinaldo in Naga town last June 11, 2025 at 8:10 PM.
Intelligence operatives of the San Andres Municipal Police Station led by police chief Maj. Francis Tabo I, the intelligence personnel of Naga MPS led by assistant police chief Maj. Arnold Espares, and the Human Rights PNCO, made the apprehension on the basis of the June 10, 2025 warrant of arrest issued by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 43 Assisting Judge Candice Guada Cresilda Cortes Almodovar-Tordilla.
The accused was apprised of his constitutional rights and underwent mandatory physical and medical examinations at Dr. George T Hofer Medical Center in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.
At the time of the report, he was under the custody of Naga Police Station for proper documentation and disposition prior to his return to the Virac court.
Lucero is facing trial for four counts of rape in violation of Section 266-A of Republic Act 8353, or the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, with no bail recommended.
If found guilty on all charges, he could face a penalty of imprisonment between 15 to 40 years, aside from civil indemnities, moral, exemplary and actual damages to be paid to the victim.