Cop faces ax over drug suspect's escape

MANILA, Philippines -  A Las Piñas City police officer faces criminal and administrative charges over the escape of a suspected drug pusher, who happens to be his neighbor.

Senior Police Officer 1 Edris Hanani will be charged with infidelity in the custody of a prisoner for the escape of alleged street pusher Elino Loza, 39.

The charge for Hanani’s summary dismissal is also being readied, said city police chief Senior Superintendent Romulo Sapitula.

Sapitula said Loza, who was arrested on Sept. 10, was set for inquest Monday when he fled. Hanani, who was accompanying Loza, allegedly allowed the suspect to go out of the detention cell while waiting for an available prosecutor, said Sapitula. A manhunt for Loza has been launched.