1 of 5 escapees from Negros Occidental jail slain, another nabbed

BACOLOD CITY—One of the five prisoners who escaped from the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) was killed and another captured Wednesday in Barangay Blumentritt, Murcia town.

Marvin Celeste of Victorias City, who was facing a charge for illegal possession of firearms, reportedly tried to engage policemen in a shootout that led to his death.

Police also arrested his companion, Daniel Tamon of Salvador Benedicto town. He is facing murder charges.

Three of their companions were still at large.

The five inmates escaped from the NOPJ in Bago City on June 29 by cutting the grills of their cell window using a saw and tying their clothes together to serve as a rope to climb over the 20-foot walls.

Lawyer Jairus Anthony Dogelio, a spokesperson of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology in Western Visayas, said they received an intelligence report that the five suspects were seen in the area.

When the policemen arrived at the area, a firefight ensued.

Still at large were Francisco Epogon, who is said to be part of the Epogon notorious robbery group, and is facing charges for robbery with homicide and robbery; Danilo Celeste, who is facing carnapping, robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted homicide charges; and Alejandro Montoya, who was charged for carnapping, robbery, illegal possession of firearms, attempted homicide, and acts of lasciviousness.

The suspects are considered “armed and dangerous,” Dogelio said.

LZB