4 escapees recaptured; only 2 remain at-large

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Four of the six remaining escapees of the Sagay City District Jail have been recaptured, leaving only two of the total 13 fugitives still at-large.

Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, acting Negros Occidental police provincial director, said escapees Richard Dacal-Dacal, 28, and Resty Dacal-Dacal, 22, who are cousins, were arrested by operatives of the Sagay City Police Station at around 12:10 p.m. yesterday at Hacienda Maricor in Barangay Malubon of that city.

At around 5:30 p.m. Monday, two more escapees, Gilbert Manija and Armando Dilao, both 24, surrendered to Sagay City Mayor Leo Rafael Cueva and Councilor Donato Marañon.

“Eleven out of the 13 escapees are already accounted for. Manhunt operation continues for the remaining two,” De la Paz said in a text message to reporters. The two escapees still being hunted down, as of yesterday, were Eric Cordero and Marlon Bandaja, he said.

Chief Insp. Gilbert Peremne, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-6 spokesperson, said manhunt operation continues, with P10,000 cash reward for each inmate arrested.

Senior Jail Officer 3 Leo Lacerna of the BJMP-6 Investigation and Prosecution Division said investigations on the jail officials have been concluded and recommendations were submitted to the national office. — (FREEMAN)