Another escapee killed, one reported injured

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Another escapee from the Negros Occidental District Jail in Bago City was killed while another was reported wounded in an encounter with police operatives at Sitio Ambulo, Barangay San Fernando, Talisay City, Negros Occidental yesterday.

Police Major Jigger Gimeno, city police chief, identified the fatality as Danilo Celeste of Victorias City, who was charged for carnapping, robbery, illegal possession of firearms, and attempted homicide.

Celeste was the brother of another person deprived of liberty (PDL)-escapee, Marvin Celeste, who was first killed in a shootout with personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) and police at Barangay Blumentritt, Murcia town last Wednesday.

Gimeno said they received information early Friday of two unidentified persons walking barefoot in the area.

When they responded, Gimeno said they urged Danilo and the other escapee to surrender, but they allegedly opened fire at the policemen, prompting the latter to retaliate.

Danilo was killed, while his companion, who was not identified, escaped.

Gimeno, however, believed that the other escapee got wounded during the encounter.

Gimeno said they are still verifying the identity of the person who allowed the two escapees to hide in their makeshift house.

Police recovered a revolver from Danilo’s possession.

At present, two PDL escapees were neutralized, one was recaptured, while two others remain at large – Francisco Epogon and Alejandro Montoya.

They bolted from their detention cell at Negros Occidental District Jail in Bago City last Tuesday.

The P10,000 cash reward for each of the remaining escapees is still in place.