Cotabato escapee arrested in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - An inmate who escaped prison in Koronadal City, South Cotabato was arrested in Consolacion town in Cebu last Tuesday morning.

Authorities carried out the arrest after the escapee, Mario Saligbon Silva Jr., was spotted in Barangay Lamac in Consolacion. He escaped from prison in 2010 and was reportedly spotted in different places in Mindanao and Manila before settling at his aunt’s house in Consolacion.

Supt. Rodolfo Albotra, chief of the Provincial Intelligence Branch, said it was not difficult to identify Silva because his physical features did not change much. They also brought with them a copy of Silva’s photo.

Silva, a native of Koronadal City, is facing charges for robbery with rape and robbery with intimidation of a person.

Silva and a cohort allegedly robbed and molested a female college student who was walking home late at night in Koronadal City in 2010.

The warrant against him was issued by Regional Trial Court acting presiding judge Jordan Reyes of Koronadal and a P200,000 bounty was placed for his arrest.

One of the arresting officers in Cebu, SPO1 Reynaldo Solante, said they received reports that Silva was armed with a .357 revolver and a .380 pistol but the suspect was reportedly not bringing the guns with him at the time of the arrest.

“Maayo na lang kay wala niya gidala adtong tungura unya timing pud nga pag-abot namo paingon na siya mulakaw (It was a good thing that he did not bring the guns at that time and our timing was right because he was just about to leave the house),” Solante told The FREEMAN.

Silva is being held temporarily at the stockade of the Consolacion Police Station. He will be turned over eventually to the Koronadal City Police. – (FREEMAN)