2 police officers charged over escape of suspected drug pusher

MANILA, Philippines – Two police officers are facing charges for the escape of a suspected drug pusher after undergoing medical examination in Sta. Ana, Manil Monday night, authorities said Tuesday.

Case investigator Senior Police Officer 1 Donald Panaligan of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit’s General Assignment Section of the Manila Police District said that SPO1 Crispin Necodemus and Police Officer 2 Emiliano Flores, both assigned to the MPD Station 6’s Anti-illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Unit, have been placed under investigation for the escape of 36-year-old Richard Burgos, a man arrested during a buy-bust operation in Manila.  Burgos managed to escape from police custody at around 11 p.m. from the Sta. Ana Hospital in New Panaderos Street in Punta, Sta. Ana, Manila.

Burgos was arrested by police operatives in a buy-bust operation along Onyx Street in San Andres Bukid, Manila at around 7:45 p.m. and underwent medical examination as part of special operations procedures.

Panaligan said that initial investigation showed that Necodemus had just guided the detainee into their police mobile when an unidentified man riding a motorcycle pulled up beside their vehicle.

He said that according to Necodemus, a handcuffed Burgos managed to open the door of the patrol car and escape on board the motorcycle.

Panaligan said that Necodemus was arrested and charged for being one of the police officers assigned to escort Burgos to and from the hospital where the latter underwent medical examination.

He said that he has not received word on the status of Flores, whom he declared to be “at large” in his report.

But both officers, said Panaligan, would not be allowed to assume their duties as lawmen pending results of the case filed against them. “They are considered on leave while we wait for the results of the case.”