4 cops to face charges over detainee’s escape

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch (PIDMB) has recommended administrative charges against four policemen in Dumanjug over the escape of a detainee last month.

PIDMB found probable cause to charge SPO2 Florentino Clarion with grave misconduct while SPO1 Joel Sarmiento and the alert team composed of PO3 Ferdinand Imperial and PO2 Ramon Chinel will face less neglect of duty.

Clarion was the designated jailer when Leomar Angana, 25, escaped from detention last April 15. Clarion was found to have violated Rule 21C of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Memorandum Circular 2007-001.

Sarmiento who was the designated team leader and the rest of the alert team members were held for less neglect of duty for allegedly sleeping on their post while performing patrol or guard duty.

The PIDMB evaluation report will be forwarded to the Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 for the summary hearing.

Clarion blamed the poor facility as the primary reason why Angana, who was facing charge for illegal possession of firearm, was able to escape.

Agana was earlier arrested along with four others, George Angana, 37; Jimmy de la Cerna,19; Bobby de la Cerna, 24; and Roel Gutana, 22, for illegal possession of firearms.

They were caught in possession of two KG9 submachine guns with two magazines and 20 rounds of ammunition; a caliber .45 pistol with magazine loaded with three bullets, a .357 revolver with four bullets, a hand grenade, and two knives.— (FREEMAN)