Joavan narrowly escapes cops

CEBU, Philippines - Joavan Fernandez, the notorious son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, was almost arrested by the police last night at a resort in Barangay Suba Basbas, Lapu-Lapu City.

Despite efforts of the Lapu-Lapu City police and the Talisay City police, Joavan eluded arrest after a brief chase in Barangay Babag.

Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, Lapu-Lapu City police chief, said Joavan was sighted at the Pacific Resort in Suba Basbas by the Talisay City police prior to the chase.

Talisay City police immediately conduct an operation but Joavan escaped leaving his driver and another person inside a room. Joavan left with a girl whom police failed to identify.

Police also did not have names of the driver and his companion.

Lawas said Joavan boarded a Ford Everest with license plate numbers YKK-499 with the girl and speed off towards Barangay Babag.

Talisay police called the Lapu-Lapu police to immediately conduct a roadblock, but when Joavan noticed he could no longer pass the highway, he and the girl fled on foot in different directions.

“Sa pikas dalan didto paingon si Joavan sa pikas pud ang babaye,” Lawas said in a phone interview.

Police found that Joavan rented the vehicle based on documents recovered inside. But the document was signed by a certain Ana Mariñas.

Lawas said a hot pursuit operation is being conducted. - /BRP (FREEMAN)