Warden, 'lost and found' inmate face probe
Mabugat
Iloilo -- Some two weeks after the infamous 'escape' at the Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC), key personalities met yesterday as the Capitol began its official probe on the incident.
Called in for the day one investigation of the probe panel created by Governor Niel Tupas were IRC warden, retired Police Senior Supt. Juan Mabugat and the 'escapee' himself, Joemarie Desilao.
Focus of the probe is to ascertain liability of provincial guards involved that had the entire police forces of both city and the province then work with the IRC guards. Turned out, Desilao never got to leave the IRC premises as he kept himself hidden inside the sewage by the kitchen dumpster.
It took him three days and two nights altogether until he finally got out, thirsty, hungry and very dirty. A jail utility worker spotted him that had led to his recapture. He was shot in the process.
Desilao managed to gain grounds and got the entire IRC community looking for him in the three days he has gone missing. Provincial Guard II Samuel Sollesta was principally tagged as the most responsible for the 'escape” after using Desilao as his personal assistant for an afternoon shower.
Four other provincial guards on duty likewise faced the brunt of the incident for not manning their posts that had Desilao access the exit towards the annex building.
The probe panel is composed by lawyers Jonel Alipao and Maria Nazelle Mirallez of the Provincial Legal Office (PLO) and Human Resource Development Office Chief Alma Ravena.
Administrative charges of gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interests of service have been lodged against a total of eight provincial guards.
Senior Supt. Mabugat then said the axe must fall on whoever is most liable in this incident.
To date, PG II Sollesta has been under a 60-day preventive suspension.