4 cops face probe for inmate’s escape

LAPU-LAPU CITY — Four members of the police force here will face investigation after a man who figured in a shooting incident on Saturday slipped custody.

The police officers to be investigated are Raul Bacayo, Felipe Abella, Alcon Escosora and desk officer Cirilo Lagumbay.

On Saturday, policemen responded to a shooting incident at St. Anthony Village in Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City where they found Marvin Escartin shot in the abdomen by Carlos Francisco.

Reports said Escartin first heard gunshots from the house of Jerson Gemberba, Francisco’s brother-in-law. Escartin went to the Gemberba home but Francisco, who saw him approach the house, shot him.

As Escartin was brought to the hospital, police brought Francisco to the police station. Police officer Raul Bacayo turned in Francisco, a .22 caliber gun, two empty shells and two magazines that were confiscated from Francisco. Desk officer Lagumbay was at hand to receive the gun and ammunition.

Bacayo then led Francisco to his detention cell but failed to bolt its doors.

When the station was alerted about a missing baby that was swept in the floods during last week’s heavy rains, Lagumbay responded to the radio and telephone calls while Bacayo rushed to the site.

Seeing the police too occupied, Francisco asked if he could eat dinner. He bolted the detention cell and has not been seen since. — Freeman News Service