Eight Tuburan cops face probe

CEBU, Philippines - The inquiry against the eight Tuburan policemen over the escape of two drug suspects from the police station’s detention cell started last Monday.

Insp. Julius Ompad, head of the Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Branch, said the results of the investigation will be submitted to Cebu Provincial Police Office director Patrocinio Comendador next week.

Ompad explained that if Comendador can resolve the issue at his level, they do not need to endorse the case to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7.

Included in the investigation are Tuburan Police chief Insp. Welther Grapa, PO1 Mat Jullivi Roco; PO2 Jezrel Perigo, jailer-on-duty; PO2 Ariel Maravillas; PO3 Camilo Abaquita; PO3 Junell Ater; PO3 Jeremias Awit, team leader and SPO1 Edsel Condevillamar.

Ompad said they still have to evaluate the incident report and the explanation submitted by the eight policemen before they will come up with a recommendation.

There were 15 detainees in the Tuburan stockade. However, during the head count last Saturday, it was found out that Jenard Pacquiao Magpuyo, 25, of Barangay Daan Lungsod, and Danilo Sanchez Navarro, 51, of Barangay 5, were missing.

Both escaped while Perigo left the barracks to cook food Saturday dawn.

The two detainees reportedly helped each other in destroying the door and bending the iron bars of the detention cell.

Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 director Marcelo Garbo Jr. ordered a thorough investigation on the matter. – MBG (FREEMAN)