Pastor facing rape raps in Mindoro nabbed in Zambales

SAN ANTONIO, Zambales––A pastor who allegedly raped a minor member of their church in Oriental Mindoro province was arrested Thursday in Botolan town after hiding for nearly seven years, authorities said.

The police said Richard Elmin was tracked down in Barangay Palis (Loob-bunga) and was arrested based on a warrant issued by Presiding Judge Harry Jamimola of Regional Trial Court, Branch 41, 4th Judicial Region, Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro in 2015.

Elmin had been charged previously with five counts of rape with no bail.

The parents of the victim, who was a member of the congregation in Mindoro, where the pastor used to serve, filed a complaint in 2015.

Other alleged victims filed more complaints of sexual advancements against the pastor.

Elmin is detained at the Botolan municipal police station. INQ

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