A DETAINEE who escaped from the custodial facility of Police Station 9 in Bacolod City surrendered to authorities in Manapla, Negros Occidental Sunday afternoon, January 19, 2020.
Police Lieutenant Jonito Pastrana, chief of Police Station 9, said Monday that Gabriel Libo-on, 29, of Purok Nami-Nami 1, Barangay Sum-ag, who was charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, turned himself in to the Manapla Municipal Police Station in coordination with Police Stations 8 and 9.
He said Libo-on was convinced by his wife and relatives to voluntarily surrender for his own safety.
Libo-on was arrested on January 8 in a drug bust and was charged with violation of illegal drugs, but he escaped by using unidentified metal to open the padlock of the custodial facility around 11:02 a.m. Friday, January 17.
Libo-on told the police that he decided to escape because he really missed his family. He said his wife failed to visit him after he was arrested on January 8.
Pastrana said they are still waiting for the commitment order from the court so they can turn over the suspect to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
He said administrative complaint was also filed Monday, January 20, against the jailer, Staff Sargent Jose Miguel Rogacion, the desk officer, Staff Sergeant Daniel Patrick Oro, for grave misconduct.
He added that Rogacion is also facing charges for violation of Article 224 of the Revised Penal Code or evasion through negligence.
Pastrana noted the suspect escaped because the jail officer abandoned his post and allegedly went to the market to buy food while the desk officer was also busy entertaining complaints at the front desk.
Pastrana said he is also ready to face the sanction to be filed against him and for his possible relieve in Police Station like what happened to Major Ruel Culanag, chief of Police Station 3.