Police arrested a 30-year-old man Tuesday morning in Mamburao in connection with a rape that occurred at a food store in Valenzuela City a decade ago, reports said.

The incident took place on June 9, 2014, at the victim’s home when she was 20 years old, according to Valenzuela Police Station Commander Col. Nixon Cayaban.

Cayaban stated that the suspect had found an opportunity to enter the victim’s house in the early morning hours and suggested that the victim likely couldn’t resist, assuming the suspect had no malicious intent.

Cayaban added that the suspect threatened to harm or kill the victim if she reported the incident to coworkers.

The victim instead told her employer, who accompanied her to police authorities to report the crime to Valenzuela Police.

The court issued an arrest warrant in January 2015, but the suspect allegedly fled to Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro, where he worked on a farm.

After a 10-year search, police finally located him with help from an informant.

The suspect strongly denied the accusations, claiming he and the victim were in a relationship at the time.

Cayaban countered that even in a relationship, sexual acts against someone’s will constitute a crime.

The suspect remains in Valenzuela Police custody facing rape charges.

Police reminded the public about the importance of reporting abuse cases to ensure justice for victims and accountability for offenders.