CEBU CITY – The chief of police in Tudela town, Camotes Island, Cebu is in danger of losing his post after a person under police custody (PUPC) was able to escape on Tuesday, April 2.
Although the inmate was immediately recaptured, an administrative investigation will still be conducted to determine the possible liability of the police escorts and the chief of police, said Police Lt. Col. Gerard Ace Pelare, spokesperson of Police Regional Office-Central Visayas chief Police Brig. Gen. Anthony Aberin.
“There is an ongoing investigation for possible administrative liability and some things have been found out that need consideration,” said Pelare.
The 41-year-old inmate, Rodel Maningo, who is facing drug charges, was brought to Barangay Poblacion, Danao City, northern Cebu to attend a court hearing.
While waiting for the court hearing, the inmate and the police escorts decided to have their breakfast first in a carinderia.
The inmate stood up and asked permission that he would just get a toothpick. Instead of getting a toothpick, the inmate ran and escaped from his police escorts.
It was around 1 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, when the inmate was recaptured in the house of his live-in partner.
Police Capt. Leovil Singson, chief of the Tudela police, said that he has ordered an investigation to determine the possible lapses committed by the police escorts.
Pelare said Singson may also be held liable for the escape for command responsibility.
“We expect that thorough investigation will be conducted to check if there was negligence on the part of the police escorts and if the commander did his job to supervise,” Pelare said.
Pelare said there is a procedure when bringing an inmate to a court hearing and this must be followed all the time.