Inmate dashes for freedom: Escort faces possible dismissal for allowing inmate to visit home

CEBU, Philippines - A Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center inmate has escaped from his escort yesterday noon after attending a court hearing in Bogo City.

Kim Inbento, who is charged with murder, made a dash for freedom while his escort, Jail Officer 1 Felix Betasalo was answering his “call of nature.”

Inbento allegedly requested Betasalo to allow him to visit his family in Barangay Lamintak Sur, Medellin after his court hearing at the Regional Trial Court in Bogo City. Without an order from the court, Betasalo escorted Inbento home while waiting for the other inmates whose cases are still being heard.

SPO4 Carlos Condino of the Medellin Police Station said that Inbento and his escort took a public transportation from Bogo City to Medellin.

“Nag-commute ra kuno sila kay gusto man kuno makigkita ang amahan aning inmate niya,” Condino told The FREEMAN in a telephone interview.

Condino said that when Inbento arrived at their house he immediately played with his fighting cocks while Betasalo left him to answer for his “call of nature” a few meters away.

Taking advantage of the situation, Inbento, even with his handcuff on, ran into a nearby sugarcane plantation. Betasalo reportedly tried to chase Inbento but he lost sight of him under the vast plantation.

“Nisuot na kuno sa katubhan unya pwerte mang lapuka wa gyud maapsi,” Condino said.

Betasalo sought the assistance of the police who immediately set up a checkpoint but all efforts were rendered futile.

Capitol consultant on security matters Ret. Col. Cesar Veloso said he will recommend Betasalo for dismissal. Veloso said Betasalo committed a serious crime of infidelity in the custody of prisoner.

A manhunt operation is already being conducted by the CPDRC operatives against Inbento. — (FREEMAN)