In October 2024, it was reported to police that a female complainant was inappropriately touched by the accused while he provided a massage at a physiotherapy clinic in the Mill Woods area. Following an investigation, Pepito Manalo, 55, was charged with one count of sexual assault on Nov. 5, 2024. On Nov. 29, 2024, the EPS issued a news release seeking additional complainants.
Following continued investigations from the reports of three additional complainants, the EPS charged Pepito Manalo with three counts of sexual assault on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.
Pepito Manalo has since been released with conditions to:
- not contact or communicate with any of the complainants;
- not visit the complainants’ residences, places of employment, education or worship;
- not practice massage therapy on women;
- not access the medical or personal records of any of the complainants;
- comply with any of the conditions imposed by any massage regulatory body;
- not offer massage therapy from his home-based business.
Pepito Manalo, 55
Police believe that Pepito Manalo may still be practicing massage therapy in Edmonton and that he may have offended against other complainants.
“We are thankful that brave individuals were able to come forward and speak to police about their experiences with the accused,” says Detective Kamlesh Patel with the EPS’ Serious Crimes Branch. “Police are continuing to encourage others to come forward so we can connect them to resources to support their healing. We are here to help.”