BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – A manhunt has been launched to recapture the inmate who bolted his detention cell inside the Jaro police station on Wednesday afternoon, February 28.
The 34-year-old Gabriel Carlo Tabon, a native of Pasig City, is facing estafa charges. He remained at large as of this writing.
Police Colonel Joeresty Coronica, director of the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO), said he has ordered Police Lieutenant Colonel Marlon Valencia, chief of the ICPO-City Intelligence and Detective Management Unit, to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Coronica wants Valencia to particularly probe the three jail officers of the Jaro police station who were on duty when Tabon escaped.
As of this writing, the three jail officers, with the ranks of senior master sergeant, staff sergeant and patrolman, were relieved from their posts and temporarily reassigned to the ICPO headquarters pending further investigation.
Coronica reiterated his stance against the negligence of duty in safeguarding detainees, emphasizing that such actions compromise the integrity of detention facilities.
The ICPO chief also highlighted the need for accountability among law enforcement officers responsible for guarding suspects in custody.
Coronica further expressed determination to uncover any lapses in security measures at the Jaro police station and to hold those responsible accountable both criminally and administratively./PN
