4 Manila cops axed over drug suspect’s escape

 MANILA, Philippines — Four members of the Manila Police District (MPD) were ordered relieved from their posts after a drug suspect escaped from their custody while being treated in a hospital yesterday.

Chief Inspector Romeo Salvador, deputy station commander of the Malate police station, was sacked along with Police Officers 1 Lyzer Sagala, Rolly Mendaño and Elvin Ramirez.

Superintendent Carlo Magno Manuel, public information chief of the MPD, said the police officers were being investigated over the incident.

Manuel said Armand Arroyo, who was held on drug charges, was rushed to the Ospital ng Maynila after he complained of shortness in breathing and heart pain.

Manuel said after Arroyo was given dextrose by hospital staff, the suspect asked permission to go to the toilet where he escaped through the window.

Arroyo’s mother was taken into police custody after she allegedly helped him escape.

Police have launched a manhunt to recapture the suspect.

More drug suspects fall 

Meanwhile, a criminology student was among the more than 30 drug suspects arrested in Quezon City in the past two days.

Markliford Masanay, 22, a drug surrenderee, was nabbed during a sting at a hotel along Saint Mary street in Barangay E. Rodriguez.

Police said they recovered 13 sachets of shabu from Masanay.  

Six persons were apprehended by police for alleged possession of illegal drugs in Las Piñas and Muntinlupa.

They were Justine Pialago, Christian Villanueva, Jansen Renz Santillan, Miguel Vobora, Gene Joyosa and Alvin Quintain.

In Mandaluyong City, three construction workers were collared in separate drug stings.

Mark Louie Guese, 23; Jefferson Arcangel, 33, and Alvin Gumilao, 33, allegedly yielded shabu and drug paraphernalia.  – With Romina Cabrera, Ghio Ong, Cecille Suerte Felipe