2 boys who escaped from detention center caught

MANILA, Philippines - Two of nine minors who escaped from the Navotas Holding Center for youth offenders were arrested by police officers on routine patrol in Navotas City yesterday morning.

The two boys, both 16, reportedly masterminded the escape. They have pending cases for robbing jeepney passengers and were caught by Police Officer 2 Alexis de Jesus and PO1 Manuel Tugade as they were reportedly preparing to rob commuters along Road 10 at around 2:30 a.m. yesterday.

The lawmen confiscated a bladed weapon from the boys, who they arrested for violating a curfew for minors.

It was at the police station that the officers found out the two boys were part of the nine who escaped from the Navotas facility for minors last Tuesday. The two have been turned over to the custody of the local social welfare and development office at the city hall.

The two welfare staff who were manning the youth center when the escape took place have been relieved.