Two jail officers face dismissal for escape of inmate at CCMC

CEBU, Philippines - Two jail officers of the Cebu City Jail are facing possible dismissal from service over the escape of an inmate who was hospitalized at Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC).

Arnel Saladaga, 25, escaped, for the third time, last Friday morning but was rearrested Saturday evening in Barangay Sudlon.

Cebu City Jail warden Efren Nemeño said jail officers Ben Saking and Eugenio Torres will have to face dismissal if found that they committed lapses that led to the escape of Saladaga.

The jail warden added that Saking and Torres were tasked to watch over Saladaga, who was confined at the CCMC after being shot for trying to bolt from the Cebu City Jail in Barangay Kalunasan last month.

Meanwhile, a certain Ariel Tampus also faces investigation after Saladaga was arrested inside his house. Tampus could be held liable for “harboring a criminal.”

Saladaga allegedly met Tampus at CCMC where they were both confined.

Saladaga was brought to CCMC after he suffered a gunshot wound when he tried to escape from the city jail last July 8. 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 26. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)