14 youth offenders bolt holding center; 6 rearrested

MANILA, Philippines - At least 14 of 17 children in conflict with the law (CICL) detained at the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) holding center in Navotas City escaped Sunday by sawing through their cell’s iron bars.

Local DSWD-CICL office head Delia Napolis said the escape was discovered by Orlando Reyes and Elsie Perez, holding area personnel on duty at the time, at around 4 a.m.

Napolis said the youth offenders used a steel saw to cut through the iron grills of their cell, located at the ground floor of the local police headquarters.

She said somebody could have provided the child detainees with the steel saw through a small opening at the side of the holding area toilet’s wall.

“We immediately coordinated with the children’s parents and the barangay leaders resulting in the apprehension of at least six of them. But eight are still to be accounted for,” Napolis told The STAR yesterday.

She said most of the youth offenders were accused of crimes such as theft and robbery but some have been apprehended at least three times for the same offense.

Napolis said that one of the escapees, identified only as Phil, was beaten up by neighbors who suspect him of stealing from them. He had when he was turned over yesterday by barangay watchmen to their custody.

She said they will hold responsible Reyes and Perez for the escape of the children.