Navy recaptures escaped mutineer

The Navy enlisted man who was detained at Naval Base Cavite for joining the July 27 mutiny but escaped the Navy detention center in Cavite City on Sunday was recaptured yesterday.

Fireman First Engine Man Alex del Valle, a member of the Navy’s Special Warfare Group, was recaptured by Navy personnel shortly after midnight of Thursday on a trip from one of his friends, said Navy spokesman Cmdr. Geronimo Malabanan.

Del Valle, who was among the more than 300 soldiers who occupied a part of Makati City’s central business district on July 27, jumped the fence of the naval base in Fort San Felipe on Sunday.

Del Valle was detained along with 93 other enlisted navy personnel for their role in the July 27 mutiny.

Malabanan said Del Valle’s disappearance was noticed at about 7 a.m. when a headcount was conducted on mutineers detained at Fort San Felipe.

Malabanan also allayed fears that Del Valle may have escaped due to subhuman conditions in the detention cells.

"Actually it’s a barracks complete with bunkers and beddings and comfort rooms," Malabanan said, adding that the place is heavily guarded. — AFP