Capitol investigates escape of inmates

CEBU, Philippines – The Capitol's chairman of the committee on discipline and investigation (Codi) lawyer Lito Astillero will conduct a full blown investigation on the escape of two inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) while doing side trips after attending a hearing.

Inmate Edison Cabahug, escorted by Joyte Noval, escaped last June 25 while attending a hearing in Barangay Tagnukan, Borbon and on October 5, inmate Alex Agbo, escorted by Roberto Cabanag Jr., also escaped while going somewhere after the hearing in Lapu-Lapu City.

Jail Warden Lito Gabuya submitted a report on the June 25-incident, but since this issue is still pending with the committee, Astillero will merge this with the probe on the more recent incident.

Based on the initial report received by Astillero, Agbo asked Cabanag after the hearing in Lapu-lapu to take him home to Cordova. While there, he eluded Cabanag.

The side trip that happened was made without consent and without court order. This, Astillero said, is a clear violation of rules and is considered a criminal offense because the inmate should return immediately to CPDRC after the hearing.

He added that Warden Alger Comendador will not be suspended but still under investigation.

"We will look on all angles since tan-awn pa sad namo kung unsay gibuhat nila right after jud sa hitabo kay 6:30 p.m. naman ang escort nakabalik sa CPDRC kay gipangita pa man niya. Wednesday na siya nireport sa Capitol," he said.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has signed the order for preventive suspension for Cabahug that covers 90 days.

"I wish for Atty. Astillero to get to the root of the incident," she said.

But Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez wants the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to conduct the investigation of the inmates, for fairness.

"They are really fond of investigating. Kung sila'y masayop sila ra sad ang mo-investigate, hasta sa akong office sila gihapon ang mo-investigate. There should be a separation of power," he told reporters.

The CPDRC investigating team is still conducting a hot pursuit operation in order to recapture the inmate. (FREEMAN)