Police shoot jail escapee

CEBU, Philippines - An escapee from the Mandaue City Jail was shot by a member of the Provincial Intelligence Branch (PIB) yesterday morning who arrested him at the house of his friend in Barangay Poblacion Oriental, Consolacion.

Since he tried to elude arrest again, the PIB operatives was left with no other choice but to shoot Ricky Andojar, 20, of Sitio Mansawa, Barangay Binaliw, Cebu City.

Andojar escaped from jail last May 22 after attending a hearing at the Regional Trial Court in Mandaue City.

PO3 Reynaldo Solante shot Andojar using his service .45 caliber pistol.

Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador, director of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, said they were able to locate Andojar through Andojar’s friend Eboy where he stayed.

In an interview, Andojar said he was just hiding in Barangay Yati, Liloan before he went to his house in Barangay Binaliw. Last night, he decided to hide in Consolacion.

“Mukapyot ra ko sa jeep inig tago-tago nako pero wa ko magmahay nga napusilan ko kay ako man ning gituyuan,” he said. (I took several jeepney rides to my hiding places. I don’t blame them for shooting me.)

Andojar was involved in several cases including robbery with homicide, illegal drugs, and illegal possession of firearms.

Andojar said he was forced to escape from jail after he was beaten up for failing to pay his debts for cigarette and food.

“Unsaon man nako wala man koy kwarta, wa ko’y ibayad unya ilaha man kong takalan,” Andojar said. (I have no money to pay them and they would beat me up.)

Insp. Bryan Rey Mercado, deputy jail warden at the Mandaue City Jail, said they will investigate Andojar’s claim.

“Karun paman ko kadungog ana, pero amo nang imbestigahan,” Mercado said. (That allegation is new to us. We will look into it.)

He also denied the allegation that somebody inside the jail is vending cigarettes and food, saying this is not allowed. Nevertheless, he said, he will also conduct a probe on this. (FREEMAN)