Lapu-Lapu jail escapee surrenders

The four inmates who escaped from station 3 of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) are all now accounted for.

Benjamin Aparri, the last to be recaptured, surrendered yesterday after hiding in Zamboanga City where his girlfriend lives.

While in Zamboanga City, the 27-year-old Aparri, who faces an extortion case, sent surrender feelers to Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, chief of LLCPO.

Lawas sent P1,000 to Aparri after the inmate claimed that he had no money for his boat fare.

Aparri traveled alone and was picked up by PO2 Jude Salazar and two other policemen at the pier.

Aparri was later presented to Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza.

Aparri said it was his two children and his father who convinced him to surrender.

The inmate said he hesitated to surrender for fear that the policemen may do something bad to him.

Aparri said he decided to yield after Lawas assured his safety.

Aparri, Christopher Cernal, Junry Iran and Alberto Torregoza escaped last Saturday while jail guard PO2 Salazar was out for lunch.

Cernal and Torregoza were rearrested several hours after the escape while Iran was recaptured in a boarding house in barangay Canduman, Mandaue City last Tuesday noon.

Cernal and Torregoza alleged that Aparri masterminded the escape. Appari denied the accusation.

Aparri said Cernal kicked the metal railing twice until it was destroyed.

Lawas said the police cannot file additional charges against the inmates for the escape since they are not yet convicts.

Lawas said Salazar is facing an administrative investigation for the escape.

Lawas said the detention cell of station 3 has been repaired after the escape.