Escapee rearrested after robbing woman

CEBU, Philippines - After two weeks of evading authorities, an escapee from Mambaling Police Station was finally recaptured yesterday morning in a five-minute chase in downtown Cebu.

Since he escaped from Mambaling Police Station, Jerome Martinez, 33, from Bogo City, Cebu was recaptured by PO1 Rey Iligan who is also assigned to the said station.

Iligan told The FREEMAN he accidentally met Martinez while walking along Osmeña Boulevard at around 9 a.m. yesterday.

“Nakakita man siya nako, mao nga midagan dayon siya,” he said.  

When spotted by the police, Martinez reportedly turned and fled towards Sanciangko Street which resulted into a five-minute chase. 

Martinez was later captured at corner Climaco and Sanciangko Streets where an assault knife was recovered from his posession.

Iligan said Martinez is a notorious robber who operates mostly in the downtown area. “Naa na siya sa may Colon mangita og biktimahonon,” he said.

Even the son of Chief Insp. Alexis Relado, chief of Parian Police Station, reportedly fell victim to Martinez who got his necklace just recently.

Lorna Flores, 49, of Villagonzalo 1, Barangay Tejero, Cebu City was the latest victim of Martinez who attacked her on Wednesday at 10 a.m. She positively identified Martinez as her attacker when she saw him yesterday.

She sustained bruises on her back and an open wound on the right side of her head when she fought Martinez who robbed her of an 18 karat gold necklace.

“Gilayog ko niya, kay ang iyang punterya akong kwentas,” she told The FREEMAN. 

Flores said Martinez pushed her away and she struggled but Martinez who was much bigger, overpo-wered Flores. “Maayo nalang gali kay wa ko gi-dunggab niya,” she said.

She is planning to file charges of robbery and physical injuries against Martinez.

The police said Martinez escaped Mambaling Police Station on September 26 by sawing several bars of the station’s detention cell.

This happened a day after he was apprehended last September 25 for the possession of illegal drugs.  He will be returned to Mambaling Police Station. (FREEMAN)