2 PDLs’ escape attempt foiled

CEBU, Philippines —  An escape attempt by two persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) billeted at the male dormitory of the Cebu City Jail was foiled by authorities on Friday night.

In justifying the acts, the two PDLs said they were consumed by loneliness inside the jail facility, which was why they allegedly decided to escape.

The two are both facing cases for violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. One was committed at the jail last March, while the other last July.

According to Jail Officer 3 Blanche Bation, head of the Community Relations Services of the Cebu City Jail Male Dormitory, the escape was stopped through the prompt response of the on-duty personnel.

The PDLs said they climbed the roof of the ALS (Alternative Learning System) classroom within the compound and, from there, they then climbed the perimeter fence towards the back of Operation Second Chance, the facility for minor PDLs.

It was an unlucky night, however, for the two escaping inmates since the personnel on standby noticed them and quickly informed the officer-in-charge who immediately alerted all standby personnel and the STAR Team, which is similar to SWAT of the PNP.

Because of this, the BJMP personnel were already waiting outside the jail even before the two could descend from the fence.

One of the escapees was shot by the police in the left leg because of his attempt to run despite warnings from the authorities. He was taken to the Cebu City Medical Center for treatment.

The management of the Cebu City Jail Male Dormitory is conducting a deeper investigation into the incident.

“As of now, ongoing pa ang investigation,” said Bation.

To prevent a similar incident from happening, the management will reinforce its perimeter fence with steel matting and razor wire.

“Mag-conduct sad og dialogue sa personnel ug PDLs para malikayan na ang susama nga panghitabo,” added Bation.

The Cebu City Jail Male Dormitory currently houses 6,124 PDLs.

Inspection

Meanwhile, authorities conducted a surprise greyhound operation or inspection of the Talisay City Jail the other day and it yielded no contraband.

At least 10 members of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-7) and 11 jail officer trainees raided the different areas at the city jail’s male dorm.

According to authorities, this was part of the government’s continued campaign against illegal drugs.

The group, assisted by K9 units, inspected the rooms of the inmates for possible illegal items.

However, no contraband such as illegal drugs and other items were found.

According to Chief Insp. Chrisyrel Awe, who oversees the Talisay City Jail, the management is determined to instilling in the inmates the value of discipline so that they will not be encouraged to do drugs and other illegal activities within.

Awe said he wanted to change the culture and mindset in many jail facilities by reminding the inmates that illegal items and activities inside the facility should not be normalized.  – Decemay P. Padilla, Gabriel C. Bonjoc, JMD (FREEMAN)