Police track down Dumaguete jail escapees

DUMAGUETE, Philippines (Negros Chronicle) -- Three escapees from the provincial jail -- two of whom were charged with murder while the other already convicted for it -- died in a shootout with police who were looking for the men who bolted on election day.

Killed were Richard Balasabas, Max Aspacio and James Magdasal while another escapee, Rico Bandico, decided to surrender. 

The four bolted the jail perimeter in downtown Dumaguete on May 9, when many were busy with the elections.

Senior Superintendent Herris Fama of the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office picked Inspector Louis Lacandula, Tayasan town chief of police, to lead “Task Force Puga” to look for the escapees.

The pursuing lawmen, acting on a tip from a concerned citizen, rushed to the suspects' hideout in Sitio Tinibgan, Barangay Saying in Tayasan. 

According to police, the suspects decided to fight it out because they had nowhere to hide. Police had distributed photos of the escapees and had posted copies in public. 

The escapees' remains were brought to Bindoy District Hospital and a forensic investigation was conducted at the clash site.

The jail warden and officials are under investigation for the escape.

Authorities are also looking into a female pastor who held Bible classes at the jail on a Saturday instead of a Sunday. The pastor has been suspected of bringing in prohibited items like mobile phones in the past.

The Negros Chronicle is a weekly publication published in Negros Oriental province, Philippines, vigilantly featuring the latest news updates around Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental since 1973.