Manila Mayor Francisco "Isko" Moreno Domagoso on Thursday condemned the alleged abuse of a four-year-old child in Malate as authorities presented a suspect described as a "perennial rapist and kidnapper" who has allegedly victimized several minors.
During his #TalkToThePeople program, Moreno identified the suspect as Rodic Junel Foster E. Abasol, who was arrested by the Manila Police District (MPD) on June 22 through its Airport Police Station after allegedly kidnapping the child of a courier. Police investigations also linked the suspect to the alleged abuse of three other minors in previous incidents.
"Perennial rapist. Kaya nagtataka ako bakit nakalalabas 'to. And kidnapper," Moreno said as he denounced the suspect's alleged criminal history.
The mayor said the suspect had previous cases involving child kidnapping and rape, adding that one of the alleged victims remains hospitalized because of the severe injuries sustained during the assault.
"Ito pong suspect, Rodic Junel Foster E. Abasol, siya po ay may previous case. Ito po kidnapper ng bata. At hindi lang basta kidnapper ng bata ito. Ginagahasa pa ho niya. Yung kanyang dating biktima, nasa ospital pa po dahil sobrang nangyari doon sa mga maseselang parte ng katawan sa kagagawan nito," Moreno said.
According to the mayor, the suspect had allegedly victimized an eight-year-old child in Atimonan, Quezon and a seven-year-old in Gumaca, Quezon before allegedly targeting another child in Manila.
Moreno confirmed that the four-year-old victim in the latest case was rescued safely.
"Sa mga nanonood, yung four-year-old, safe kid na," he said.
Expressing outrage over the alleged crimes, the mayor questioned why the suspect had remained at large despite his reported criminal history and urged parents to remain vigilant in protecting their children from child abductors.
"Ito po, gusto ko lang po sa mga nanay at tatay na nanonood. Alam ko po may mga pangamba kayo sa buhay ng inyong mga anak. Ang kamalasan nito, nakaligtas siya sa Pasay, nakaligtas siya sa Quezon, nagbalak sa Maynila. Ayun, dito siya nadale sa Maynila," Moreno added.
Alongside the presentation of the suspect, Moreno announced the signing of Executive Order No. 29, Series of 2026, establishing the Manila Schools Safety Initiative and creating the Manila School and Community Safety Task Force.
The task force aims to strengthen security in schools and surrounding communities through enhanced coordination among local government agencies, law enforcement, and educational institutions. It will also focus on preparedness measures and preventive programs against violence and other threats to the safety of students, teachers, and residents.
Authorities said the suspect remains under police custody and is facing charges in connection with the latest case, while investigators continue to determine whether he may be linked to other incidents involving child abduction and sexual abuse.
