Escape of detainee puts cop in trouble

CEBU, Philippines - A policeman is now being investigated by the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Branch following the escape of a detainee of Consolacion Police Station on Monday.

PIDMB chief, Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, said that they are just waiting for the investigation report of the Consolacion police to determine the lapses of PO1 Julios Patac.

Patac will then be subjected to a pre-charge evaluation before the PIDMB recommends the case to a summary hearing at the Police Regional Office)-7.

Detainee, Dionisia Lumantao, of Pulpogan, Consolacion, was arrested by virtue of an arrest warrant for violation of Section 11 of RA 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 at her residence Sunday.

She was taken to the Regional Trial Court Branch 55 in Mandaue City for the issuance of commitment order before she was returned to the stockade at 5:00 p.m. Monday.

Lumantao reportedly asked Patac to go out and be allowed to breastfeed her baby before she would return to the stockade, a request the latter allowed out of humanitarian consideration.

It was at this juncture that Lumantao managed to escape.

Police immediately conducted a follow-up operation but failed to recapture Lumantao.

“Emotional consideration must be separated from actual work because there are basic procedures need to be observed,” said Albotra.

He said police discretion must prevail so as not to compromise their job.

PIDMB will also look into the lapses of Consolacion police chief, Chief  Insp. Marlon Gumabao, in terms of command responsibility.

“We are checking their individual participation and responsibility lakip na ang hepe on what action he made,” Albotra said.

He added that Patac’s offense constitutes grave misconduct that carries a penalty of dismissal from service. — (FREEMAN)