Detained Apayao village guard shot dead after escaping from jail

BAGUIO CITY – A detained village watchman was shot dead after he broke out of a police detention facility at Conner town in Apayao province on Tuesday (Oct. 30) while Typhoon “Rosita” blew through Luzon, the Cordillera police said.

Novelle “Nonong” Laurita, 33, had been confined at the Conner police station while waiting for a preliminary investigation due to a rape complaint filed against him.

Police said Laurita allegedly destroyed the padlock of his cell, then attacked and injured a police officer with a wooden plank, before he broke through a glass door and fled at 4:40 p.m.

Laurita reportedly proceeded to the office of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and assaulted its officials. Conner Mayor Leonardo Dangoy was allegedly at the office when Laurita attacked them.

But Laurita was shot as he ran out towards Barangay Ripang.

The suspect was brought to the Conner District Hospital where he died while being treated.

The police have not yet determined who shot Laurita. Valerie Damian/lb