3 escaped prisoners captured in La Union

By Mar T. Supnad

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union- – Members of the San Juan Police Station in La Union province recaptured Monday three inmates who escaped night of July 17 from the provincial jail in this city.

Chief Supt. Ramon V. Gatan, Regional Director in Ilocos region, here in Camp Florendo identified the escapees as Michael Abecilla, of legal age, jailed for theft and illegal possession of firearms; Adiel Rolloda, 18, for drugs case and Edward Pejo, 21, also for drug-related cases.

The escape was discovered by jail guards during the headcount conducted at about 12 midnight.

The three reportedly escaped by detaching the lower portion of the iron window grill of the provincial jail’s mess hall.

Upon receipt of the report, Gatan immediately alerted his men to hunt down the escapees and assist in investigation of the incident.

Swift action by police personnel resulted in arrest of the inmates at Barangay Ili Sur in San Juan town just several hours after their escape.

Gatan commended the San Juan Police for the immediate re-arrest of the three, even as he reiterated his offer of assistance for an in-depth investigation of the case.

“While the provincial jail is under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, we are duty-bound to give our best services to address public safety concerns,” Gatan said.

The recaptured inmates were taken to the San Juan Police Station for booking prior to turn-over to the provincial jail.