3 of 4 escapees return ?to youth center

MANILA, Philippines — Three of four underage offenders who escaped from the Manila Youth Reception Center last Friday are back in MYRC custody, officials said yesterday.

Two of the offenders – one is accused of rape while the other is facing illegal drug possession charges – were surrendered by their respective barangay chairmen. The third offender, who is accused of robbery, was caught when he committed the same offense along Quirino Avenue several hours after their escape.

A fourth offender, a 17-year-old facing a murder charge, is the subject of a manhunt, according to Special Mayor’s Reaction Team chief Police Major Rosalino Ibay Jr.

Initial investigation said the offender accused of rape, who served as an inmate or trustee, deliberate left the locks on the cell gates open and urged everyone to escape.

Roel Boco, MYRC officer-in-charge, said the offender took advantage of his position as a trusted inmate and initiated the breakout.