Btac Nuevo PNP chief sacked for suspected robber's escape
Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) Director Senior Supt. Efren Quintos has ordered the relief of Barotac Nuevo Police chief Insp. Avelino Natal following the escape of suspected robber Johnny Balsomo while being confined at the Western Visayas Medical Center (WVMC) in Mandurriao, Iloilo City last Sunday afternoon.
This was learned from Governor Niel Tupas, Sr. who talked to Quintos early morning yesterday.
Balsomo was being treated at the WVMC due to gunshot wound in his abdomen when he got the chance to escape.
It was learned that no policeman was deployed in the hospital to guard Balsomo while in confinement.
Quintos on November 9 reportedly ordered Natal to secure the suspect while being treated in the hospital.
IPPO Deputy Director Supt. Cornelio Defensor even wondered why Balsomo was left unguarded by policemen.
Balsomo was one of the three motorcycle riding suspects who attempted to hold-up the couple Simeon and Aida Rubuin while on board their Anfra van.
The suspected robbers tried to stop the van by shooting its front wheel but the chase continued until the vicinity of the Casa Fiametta Subdivision in Brgy Tabuc Suba, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. It was there when Balsomo was hit with a bullet coming from unknown direction.
The suspects then fled towards Passi City where they left Balsomo for treatment at Passi District Hospital. Balsomo was later transferred to WVMC where he was positively identified by the Rubuin couple as one of the three motorcycle riding men who attempted to rob them.
Quintos who is currently in Metro Manila reportedly fumed upon learning of Balsomo's escape.
Defensor is now conducting an investigation on why the Barotac Nuevo police failed to guard Balsomo. He said administrative charge for neglect of duty could possibly be charged against Natal.
Meanwhile, police is now hot on the trail of Balsomo who is believed to have not got out of the province yet.