Police lauds civilians for recapture of 2 inmates in Cotabato town

The suspects both facing statutory rape cases in Kidapawan City escaped in Cotabato town’s jail facility on Friday morning. —Photos courtesy PNP–Magpet

KIDAPAWAN CITY, COTABATO, Philippines — The Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) has lauded the effort of village officials and civilians of Magpet town for their assistance, coordination and quick response that led to the recapture of two inmates who bolted police detention last May 16.

“Despite the challenges, their perseverance and effective communication ensured that no stone was left unturned in the search for the escapees,” said Colonel Gilberto Tuzon, Cotabato police director.

READ: 2 Cotabato inmates flee from police detention

Following the escape last Saturday of the two detainees facing rape charges, police had launched a hot pursuit operation and were able to locate them in separate hinterland villages of Magpet, with the help of concerned civilians.

Tuzon said Anthony Oclao was arrested in Barangay Amabel while Ronnie Empoc was collared by responding police officers, civilians and village officials in Barangay Manobisa.

This successful operation highlights the strengthened relationship between the police and the public, Tuzon said.

Tuzon however said that while he commended the immediate recapture of the escapees, Friday’s incident is a reminder to police officers to be alert, citing the need to strengthen the security measures in all detention cells in every police station in Cotabato province.

Tuzon said evasion of sentence will be slapped to the escapees, while infidelity of a public officer through negligence will be filed against the jailer and chief of police of Magpet.

Empoc and Oclao on Friday faked an illness and was brought outside the detention facility for medical checkup, giving them the chance to flee.

Both jumped off the concrete fence while handcuffed and ran toward the hinterland villages. /cb