ILOILO City – Five children in conflict with the law (CICL) who escaped from a government-run shelter in Barrio Obrero, Lapuz district were rescued by authorities after being linked to a robbery near Quirino Lopez Bridge.
Police Captain Lester Oliveros, officer-in-charge of Iloilo City Police Station 8, said the houseparent of Balay Dalayunan reported the escape at around 6:15 a.m. on February 10.
The minors allegedly broke through a window by destroying its grills.
The escapees were identified as:
* a 17-year-old from Barangay Calumpang, Molo, facing drug-related charges
* a 16-year-old from Barangay Calumpang, Molo, involved in a shooting incident
* a 15-year-old from Rizal, La Paz, suspected of theft
* a 17-year-old from San Isidro, Jaro, charged with carnapping
* a 17-year-old from Barangay Quintin Salas, Jaro, also facing drug-related charges
Shortly after their escape, two of the minors were linked to a robbery at around 5 a.m. near Esplanade 8, Muelle Loney Street.
The victim, a woman walking near Quirino Bridge, reported that two suspects grabbed her bag containing an iPhone 15 and P500 in cash. She filed a complaint at 7:30 a.m.
Police Lieutenant Romulo Tabuyoc, officer-in-charge of Iloilo City Police Station 1, said CCTV footage confirmed the identities of the minors involved. A police operation was launched, leading to their rescue by the end of the day.
The last to be apprehended was the 15-year-old boy, from whom police recovered the stolen iPhone 15.
The minors are now in the custody of Iloilo City Police Station 1 and will be returned to Balay Dalayunan. Authorities are investigating security lapses at the shelter to prevent similar incidents./PN
