Jailbird surrenders to police

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An escapee of Police Station 9 here surrendered to the authorities after two days of hiding.

Police Lieutenant Jonito Pastrana, head of Police Station 9, said that Gabriel Libo-on, 29, of Barangay Sum-ag here was turned over to the Manapla Municipal Police Station by his family.

Pastrana said Libo-on hid at his family’s house in the said town.

“He sent surrender feelers last Saturday, thus we opted to send a tracker team in Manapla to coordinate with the policemen there,” the station commander said.

Pastrana said Libo-on escaped from the jail by opening its padlock using a screw late Friday morning.

He said jailer Police Staff Sergeant Jose Miguel Rogacion went outside to buy food when Libo-on escaped while the desk officer on duty at that time was busy entertaining clients who were getting their licenses.

He said Libo-on was the only detainee at that time after he was arrested in a buy-bust last January 8.

He (Libo-on) escaped because he allegedly missed his family who was not able to visit him for days, Pastrana said.

Meanwhile, Rogacion is facing charges for infidelity in the custody of prisoners before the City Prosecutor Office last Saturday. However, the city prosecutor ordered his release after the filing of the complaint lapsed the reglementary detention.

Rogacion returned to his post and will be facing administrative charges as well.