ZAMBOANGA CITY – Four persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and person under police custody (PUPC), who were being temporarily detained at a municipal station in Zamboanga del Norte, escaped at dawn Thursday, August 20.
Police Regional Office for Zamboanga peninsula (PRO 9) Director Brig. Gen. Jesus D. Cambay Jr. said that policemen of Roxas Municipal Police Station in Zamboanga del Norte discovered the incident about 1:30 a.m. Thursday.
Cambay identified the escapees as Welly C. Catoy, 23, and Robert Quinicar Quinto, 46, who were separately charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions; Wilfredo Antiquino Espelita, 19, who was charged with violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act; and Roger Barillo Feras, who was charged for attempted homicide.
The policemen reported to Cambay that the escapees used a guitar string to cut through the iron bars of the cell.
"I already directed the Chief of Police to conduct manhunt operations to recapture the escapees and enjoined all police units within Zamboanga del Norte and possible route of escape to ensure that escapees cannot pass through the immediate proximity", said Cambay.
The families and relatives of the escapees were also urged to report to the police, and surrender them to the nearest police station.
“I asked them this so as not to aggravate the situation of the escaped detainee, for after all, they are not yet guilty but merely held for investigation and trial, Cambay added.
He said pictures were already posted in social media so that everyone can report to the police on their possible whereabouts.