Tacloban escapee caught in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines -  A Tacloban City Jail escapee who bolted out during the onset of super typhoon Yolanda was arrested by Cebu City police past 6 p.m. on Monday in Sitio Salvador Extension, Barangay Labangon.

Roberto "Bobby" Trinidad, 49, of Barangay Pepito, Tacloban City was arrested by Punta Princesa police and  the Regional Intelligence Unit-7 after he was spotted in the area.

Police Officer 2 Jerome Ramos, desk officer, said Senior Inspector Michaelangelo Beltran received information that the suspect was hiding at the place so together with RIU operatives, they proceeded to the place where the escapee was frequently sighted.

Ramos said Beltran showed no resistance during the arrest and surrendered to the police officers peacefully.

According to Beltran, Trinidad was an inmate in Tacloban City Jail who was able to bolt out when Yolanda destroyed the jail facility there.

He lived with his relatives in Punta Princesa hoping he will not get caught.

When Beltran was informed that Trinidad was an escapee, he searched his name and was able to confirm that indeed the latter was a fugitive.

Trinidad is facing a case for violation of Section 5, Article 2 of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

He is scheduled to be turned over to Tacloban City Jail over the weekend.   (FREEMAN)