PRO-6 to retrain custodial officers after detainee escapes

ILOILO CITY — The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) is taking steps to prevent a third escape by a person under police custody during Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño’s tenure as Western Visayas police chief.

At a press conference Monday, Sept. 14, Tuaño said he had instructed the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division to audit all persons under police custody (PUPCs) across the region.

PRO-6 will also require all Philippine National Police custodial personnel to undergo refresher training on handling detainees.

“Ito ay para ma-refresh ang mga pulis sa do’s and don’t’s sa pag-handle sa mga PUPC,” he said.

Tuaño urged custodial personnel to put themselves in detainees’ shoes and anticipate possible escape attempts.

“Ang mindset nila ay kumain at paano tumakas,” he said.

He said custodial personnel should consider the excuses detainees might use to escape.

Meanwhile, Tuaño said PRO-6 was studying a “three-strike policy” for field commanders in connection with escapes from police custody.

He also emphasized the command responsibility of provincial and city police directors.

Under Executive Order No. 226, government supervisors may be held accountable for neglect of duty if they know an offense is planned, ongoing or has occurred within their area of responsibility but fail to take preventive or corrective action.

Two personnel of the San Rafael Municipal Police Station were relieved of their duties following a detainee’s escape on Sept. 9.

The Iloilo Police Provincial Office’s Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit is investigating the incident and assessing the actions of the two officers, both corporals.

The escapee, a 20-year-old rape suspect known as “Gerald,” had already been charged in court.

Police said Gerald, a resident of Barangay Aripdip, San Rafael, Iloilo, escaped by jumping down an 8-foot ravine in the village at about 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 9.

He was still handcuffed when he jumped, police said.

He was rearrested at 11:37 a.m. on Sept. 10 with help from barangay officials of San Dionisio village.