3 inmates bolt Tondo jail

Three detainees of the Jose Abad Santos police station in Tondo, Manila escaped from their cell by sawing off its padlock early yesterday morning.

The detainees’ escape occurred when only a duty desk officer was left manning the entire police station, according to a report submitted by Jose Abad Santos police station chief Superintendent Jemar Modequillo to Manila Police District director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales.

Modequillo identified the escapees as Jayson Villanueva, who has a warrant of arrest for murder; Christopher Carbonnel, detained for robbery; and Rommel Fortuno, who is facing robbery charges.

Fortuno and Villanueva were recaptured hours after their escape. Police are now conducting a massive manhunt for Carbonnel, who has reportedly fled to Bulacan.

The report showed SPO2 Ronald del Rosario, the front desk officer on duty, was attending to a telephone call when he noticed the three escapees sneaking out the station’s front door.

Del Rosario reportedly chased the escapees but the three ran away. He immediately returned to his post to guard the remaining detainees, who might take advantage of the absence of police personnel in the station.

Del Rosario noticed that the padlock of the detention cell had been destroyed.

A visibly irked Rosales immediately ordered an investigation to determine the lapses of police personnel in the station. “They have to face the investigation and suffer the consequences if there are lapses committed, even though two of the escapees were already recaptured,” Rosales told The STAR.

Modequillo also relieved Del Rosario and also ordered an investigation of the entire night duty personnel.

Eight detainees also bolted the Abad Santos police station jail two years ago at the height of a heavy downpour.  — Nestor Etolle