Cop faces raps for escape of detainee

CEBU, Philippines - Charges were filed against the policeman who was guarding an alleged notorious robber who eluded his watch last Wednesday afternoon.

Lapu-Lapu City Police Director Mariano Natuel said charges for violation of Article 224 of the Revised Penal Code or “evasion through negligence” were filed against PO2 Cerilo Lagumbay before the Lapu-Lapu City Prosecutor’s Office yesterday.

Lagumbay is now under the custody of the Lapu-Lapu City Police.

Natuel said they are also evaluating if charges should also be filed against SPO3 Jesus Geminea, the policeman who first escorted Miguel Dayon Manlapas, 32, to the Lapu-Lapu Hall of Justice.

Geminea first escorted Manlapas to the Hall of Justice for the detainee to be committed to court and subsequently turned him over to Lagumbay. Geminea reportedly had to leave because he had to guard the detention cell.

At that time, Lagumbay was also escorting a female suspect who had to attend a hearing at another sala.

Manlapas allegedly asked Lagumbay’s permission to go to the restroom to which the policeman reportedly consented.

That was the last time Manlapas was seen.

Even the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) and the security guards at the Hall of Justice helped in looking for Manlapas, but found no trace of him, except for the yellow shirt he wore. The shirt was found inside the elevator.

Natuel said Manlapas might have managed to pass through court security by covering the handcuffs with the face towel he was bringing. He was also reportedly wearing another shirt at that time.

Natuel said Lagumbay might just have been too complacent because the restroom was just near the courtroom where the case of the female detainee was being heard.

Manlapas, a resident of Barangay Canjulao, Lapu-Lapu City is facing charges for illegal possession of firearms and violation of the Comelec gun ban. 

The police at the Theft and Robbery Section were reportedly disappointed about the incident because they reportedly had a difficult time arresting the suspect. — THE FREEMAN