Sagay City escapee recaptured in Bacolod

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – An escapee of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Sagay City, Negros Occidental was recaptured by authorities at Barangay Villamonte here Thursday, a day after he went into hiding.

Police Major Reynante Jomocan, head of Police Station 4, said they received information that Ronel Sebuan, 24, of Barangay Tadlong, Sagay City was spotted at Barangay Villamonte around 9 a.m.

Jomocan said BJMP personnel coordinated with them and launched an operation to arrest the suspect. However, during the operation, Sebuan resisted, left his motorcycle near a judge’s house, and fled on board a passenger jeepney.

He was then spotted at the said village a few minutes later, wherein an exchange of gunfire occurred between the BJMP personnel and him, the station commander said.

No injuries were reported. Sebuan was cornered by authorities Thursday noon. But, Jomocan was not sure if his firearm was recovered by the BJMP since the latter immediately transported him to Sagay City.

Sebuan escaped from jail around 7:15 p.m. last Wednesday by jumping off the facility’s perimeter wall. He reportedly fled on board a motorcycle, which he allegedly stole from the bureau.

The BJMP earlier announced a P25,000 cash reward to anyone who can provide leads for his recapture.

Sebuan was charged for violation of Republic Act 6539 or the “Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972” before the Regional Trial Court Branch 73 in Sagay City.

Jomocan said it will depend on the BJMP if they will file additional charges against Sebuan, who is now under the custody of Sagay City District Jail.