Ex-general’s son on fourth escape from rehab center

MANILA, Philippines - A retired general’s son, accused of killing a security guard sent to bring him back to a drug rehabilitation center Saturday, had sneaked out of it a number of times in the past, police officials said yesterday.

Chief Inspector Rodel Marcelo, head of the Quezon City Police District’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (QCPD-CIDU), said Abaya’s escape on Saturday afternoon was his fourth. The suspect underwent inquest proceedings on Sunday for homicide. The fiscal prescribed a P40,000 bail for the suspect’s provisional liberty.

Abaya, son of retired Philippine Constabulary general Antonio Abaya, was arrested Saturday night for killing security guard Roger Biquit and wounding another guard, Richard Reyes, at the family home in Greenmeadows Subdivision. 

Inspector Elmer Monsalve, head of the QCPD-CIDU’s homicide investigation section, said Reyes did not file charges against the suspect. The incident happened as Biquit, Reyes and staff Alexander Cabalde went to Abaya’s house to bring back the suspect to Silvercrest Foundation.

Quoting Cabalde’s statement, Monsalve said Abaya had been a patient at the center since 1999. The previous escape was in July.

The suspect told police he mistook the security officers as intruders. Monsalve said they were verifying the ownership of a .357 Magnum handgun the suspect had used.