Cop on duty faces raps for drug suspect's escape

MANILA, Philippines - A policeman who was on duty when a suspected drug dealer escaped from the Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operation Task Force (AIDSOTF) office earlier this week will face criminal and administrative charges, an official said yesterday.

AIDSOTF deputy commander Senior Superintendent Edgar Layon said drug suspect George Manlangit, 33, escaped at around 6 p.m. on May 1 when his guard, Police Officer 3 Leonardo So, fell asleep at his post.

So faces charges of negligence and infidelity while in custody of a detainee. The case depends on the gravity of the offense and might lead to severe punishment, Layon said.

Layon said the two other officers – Senior Inspector Harold Aglipay, division chief and PO2 Michael Angelo Salmingo – have been cleared of any liability for Manlangit’s escape.