After escape of 5 operation second chance residents: Watchman recommended for dismissal

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Legal Office has recommended the dismissal of a watchman at Operation Second Chance (OSC) in Barangay Kalunasan following the escape of the facility’s residents evening on March 2.

"We recommended to the mayor the dismissal of a watchman who has been found to be negligent in his duties as such," said City Legal Officer Rey Gealon.

This recommendation is based on incident reports submitted by OSC officer-in-charge Ambrosio Ibones, Chief of Security and Protection Services Jeffrey Diola, and desk officer Ruel Tabasa.

"In separate incidents where he was on duty, he consistently admitted to be tardy and negligent. Administrative due process having been accorded to him, it is found that evidence against him is strong," Gealon said.

"His acts consequently caused raucous and injuries among residents of the facility, including escape therefrom," he added.

Gealon said based on those factual and legal bases, the CLO is "left without recourse" but to recommend for the watchman's dismissal.

The escape of OSC residents was the fourth in nine months, something that Councilor David Tumulak has described as alarming.

While authorities have tracked down and brought two residents back to the facility, they are still tracking three more.

"We have to see to it that they have to be returned," said Mayor Edgardo Labella.

OSC is a facility for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in Cebu City.

Labella said he will consider replacing some personnel of the facility, including Ibones, if the City Legal Office will recommend the same.

"That will be one of the things that I will seriously consider," Labella said as City Hall investigates the escape of residents of the facility Monday.

"We'll find out what's their recommendation and perhaps consider to change some of the people," Labella said.

Labella said he will ask Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) officer in charge Engelbert Soriano to deploy at least one or two more policemen at OSC for additional security.

He is also considering the possibility of transferring the facility to another location. The facility is located in the mountain barangay of Kalunasan.

Tumulak has asked Ibones to resolve the conflict between the house parents and the residents to "achieve peace and to achieve also the task being given to them, especially in handling minor offenders."  JMO (FREEMAN)