Inmate who escaped from police escort recaptured

CEBU, Philippines – The inmate of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center who slipped past police custody last October 5 was recaptured shortly before midnight last Saturday in Naga town.

The inmate, Alex Agbo, suffered injuries after he was mauled by the son of Victoria Echavez, who caught him lurking inside their house. Echavez's son believed Agbo entered the house to steal. He was subsequently turned over to the police.

A sourced who requested anonymity told The FREEMAN Agbo will be subjected to medical examination and will be turned over to the Committee on Discipline and Investigation of the Office of the Governor today.

The committee, headed by lawyer Lito Astillero, is tasked to look into infractions of personnel of offices aligned to the provincial government.

Agbo eluded his police escort, Roberto Cabanag Jr., after the hearing of his case in Lapu-Lapu City. Investigation revealed that Agbo asked that they pass by his house in Cordova before returning to CPDRC, but Agbo took the opportunity to escape.

Cabanag was preventively suspended because of the incident, which allegedly happened twice without consent and without court order. Astillero said Cabanag's actions were serious offenses because under the rules, an inmate must be brought back to the detention center right after the hearing of his/her case.

Astillero said it is now up to the Echavez family if they will file a trespassing case against Agbo.

"It is already a private matter between them. We will not interfere if the aggrieved person will file a case," Astillero told The FREEMAN.

Astillero said Cabanag is facing the possibility of being terminated from office if it will be proven that he is liable for Agbo's escape. CPDRC jail warden Algier Comendador, meanwhile, would also be made to explain under the premise of command responsibility. (FREEMAN)