PANDI, Bulacan – Enrico Roque, the Mayor of Pandi, Bulacan, was arrested on Tuesday on charges of raping a minor. The arrest took place during a party at Amana Waterpark, a resort owned by Roque, and was carried out by the Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG).

The operation was conducted based on an arrest warrant issued by Judge Ma. Rowena Violago Alejandria of Branch 21 of the Caloocan Regional Trial Court.

Pandi Councilor Reynaldo “Jonjon” Roxas Jr. and Rogelio Raymundo Jr., a government employee, were also apprehended alongside Roque.

Roque and his co-accused are facing two counts of rape, with no bail recommended for their release. The arrest was carried out by the Northern Police District’s District Special Operations Unit, in coordination with the District Investigation Division and the PNP-CIDG Northern District Field Unit.

Mayor Denies Allegations

Roque has denied the charges, calling them “false, made up, and politically motivated.” His legal team has filed a motion to quash the arrest warrant, asserting that he and the individuals involved were deprived of their right to due process, as they were not notified of the case beforehand.

The motion has been submitted to the RTC, which has directed the prosecution to file a comment or opposition within 10 days.

PNP: No One is Above the Law

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Brigadier General Anthony Aberin commended the operation, stating, “This shows that no one is above the law. NCRPO will pursue justice without fear or favor, ensuring accountability for everyone.”

Prior to his arrest, the Pandi mayor had hosted Christmas parties for senior citizens and persons with disabilities, as shown by his recent social media posts.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with the mayor’s camp insisting that the case is an act of political harassment.

📷 Mayor Rico Roque FB, PNP-NPD