Tanod captures juvenile escapee

CEBU, Philippines - The 16-year-old inmate at the Cebu City Operation Second Chance who escaped from his escort during a court hearing in Mandaue City last Monday was arrested in Consolacion Tuesday dawn.

The escapee was captured by a barangay tanod in Pulpogan Consolacion after he got into trouble with some kids in the barangay.

“The boy was captured after he got into a fight with some kids,” said jail warden Merlina Metante.

The barangay tanod turned over the boy at the police station after learning that he was an escapee from the juvenile detention facility of Cebu City. Jail personnel fetched the boy yesterday and brought him back to detention.

“Shortly after the boy arrived at the facility (OSC), our social workers counseled the boy why he escaped,” Metante said.

 “The boy felt desolated after he got no visits from his family since he entered the facility,” she added.

The boy entered the facility in September after he was arrested for theft. He was supposed to be released on January 18 but because of his escape this may not happen anymore. Metante, however, said this will depend on the court’s decision.

The boy runaway from his escort at the Mandaue City Hall of Justice last Monday. Metante admitted that there were security lapses committed by her personnel. She explained they lack personnel to escort inmates during court hearings. – (FREEMAN)