AN OFFICIAL of the Police Regional Office (PRO Davao Region) said police officers from Tagum City Police Office are facing administrative and criminal charges after four inmates broke out of jail on Tuesday morning.
PRO Davao Region spokesperson Superintendent Antonio Rivera said TCPO commander Superintendent Solomon de Castilla will possibly face charges, along with other police officers who were on duty during the time of incident for gross neglect of duty and unethical conduct.
"We are still conducting follow-up operation in order to recapture all escapees. Other personnel as well will be subject for investigation at depende sa result ang investigation yung level ng sanctions naipapataw natin," Rivera said in Tuesday's AFP-PNP press conference at the Task Force Davao Headquarters.
Senior Superintendent Samuel Gadingan, director of Davao del Norte Provincial Police Office (DNPPO), in a separate interview, said they already formed investigation teams to go after the four escapees.
"Naka-create na kami ng investigation teams na mag recapture sa kanila. Nilolocate pa namin yung possible locations ng apat na pugante," Gadingan said.
"I think they have already left Tagum. We are also eyeing the hometown provinces of the escapees. We have already warned their families and their friends not to hide the suspects. We told them that we can file cases against them if they help them," Gadingan told Sun.Star Davao in a phone interview.
Gadingan also confirmed the police officers who were on duty were sleeping while the prisoners were escaping.
"They are supposed to be awake. Sabi ng isang babaeng prisoner na nakatulog nga daw ang mga officers," Gadingan said.
Gadingan, bared the level of sanctions that will be issued to the police officers depend on the results of the investigation.
"Possible sanctions include suspensions, demotion of rank or removal from service," Gadingan said.
Four escapees, who were involved in various crimes including robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunitions, were identified as John Gudin, Jasper Salas, John DelaPeña, and Rolby Sueto.
According to the initial investigation conducted by Tagum police Wednesday showed the suspects managed to escape during the time of heavy downpour early Tuesday morning.
The suspects exited through the main door of the Police Station, which is located just outside the Tagum City Hall.