Manila inmate’s ‘rescue’ probed
The warden of the Manila City Jail is looking into reports that an inmate snatched by two armed men from his security escort earlier this week actually paid his way to freedom.
“I’ve heard of the allegation. There is a possibility. I am now conducting a top-to-bottom investigation of jail officials and escorts involved in securing Pedro Rodica on his way to the court hearing,” Superintendent Emilio Culang told The STAR in a telephone interview.
Veteran investigators are wondering why his security escort was not divested of his firearm when armed men snatched Rodica.
“Instinct dictates that any security officer is usually disarmed during rescue attempt to prevent him from pursuing and retaliating,” the source said.
The Manila Police District (MPD) has released photos of Rodica, who reportedly leads a gang engaged in robbing moneychangers in Metro Manila. The gang allegedly includes former soldiers.
Rodica, 24, also faces charges for killing two
Rodica and Corporal Juanito Buton, whose last known assignment was at the 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army at
Buton was able to post bail, but Rodica was committed to the Manila City Jail on the strength of an arrest warrant implicating him in the killing of the two policemen, a non-bailable offense.
Last Nov. 14, Buton was identified by a messenger through the police rogue gallery as one of five men who robbed him of P2.5 million in Escolta.
With Rodica’s escape and Buton free on bail, police believe the two men may gather the gang’s members and start robbing moneychangers again during the holidays.
Rodica was being escorted by Jail Officer 2 Salvador Tan on his way to attend a hearing at the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 142 when two armed snatched him as he was about to board a passenger jeepney.
Rodica was whisked to a motorcycle driven by another armed man, who immediately sped away. The other man who accosted Tan escaped on foot.
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