City Jail inmate escapes guards at hospital

CEBU, Philippines - In his third attempt to freedom, an inmate of the Cebu City Jail slipped past security while being confined at the Cebu City Medical Center past 10am yesterday.

The escapee was identified as Arnel Saladaga, a native of Zamboanga del Sur. He is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms.

Saladaga was brought to CCMC after he suffered a gunshot wound when he tried to escape from the city jail last month. The bullet from JO1 Eric Anguit caught up with him first before he could go farther. He was hit on the nape with the bullet traveling to his stomach.

The first time he tried to escape was after a hearing at the Palace of Justice last May.

Jail Warden Efren Nemenio said it remains a big question how Saladaga managed to remove the leg iron and handcuff. Initial investigation reportedly showed Saladaga might have used a carpentry implement to release the bolt off the leg iron.

The two security guards assigned to Saladaga at the hospital are now under investigation and may face criminal and administrative charges.

The two, however, are allowed to join in the ongoing hot pursuit operation for Saladaga’s arrest. — Johanna T. Natavio/JMO   (THE FREEMAN)