More prison bars for IRC--probe body
From horizontal prison bars, the addition of vertical bars is eyed as one of the ultimate solution to prevent future escapes of inmates in the multi-million Iloilo Rehabilitation Center (IRC).
Located in Barangay Nanga, Pototan, Iloilo, the IRC which stands as the most modern and most expensive jail facility in Western Visayas is home to about 1,000 Ilonggo detainees, two of whom remain at large.
The infamous escape is now on its third week with murder suspects turned fugitives 26 year-old Mario Lozada of Ipil, Calinog and 32 year-old Vincent Espinosa of Lemery, Iloilo yet to be captured.
Fellow escapee 46 year-old Mamerto Barranco of Januiay, Iloilo has since surrendered.
Add more solid bars, the three-man probe team created by Governor Niel Tupas now says as initial findings and corresponding recommendation of the fact-finding expedition were obtained by The News Today (TNT).
And from the 16 jail guards then presented for investigation, seven remained subject of more questioning, all of whom were assigned at the IRC's area 4. To note, the escapees were detained at Cell 58 here with Espinosa as the "mayor de mayores."
Heading the probe team is Capitol lawyer Joenel Alipao tasked by Tupas to ascertain the events surrounding the February 13th daring escape and submit recommendations on the possible liabilities of jail personnel that stands to be most liable.
The fugitives, Tupas told Capitol reporters, will be arrested "soon" and reportedly spotted within Iloilo.
No specifics nor new ultimatums were released by the Governor however his P30,000 reward stays to whoever can provide tips on the escapees' whereabouts.
Dead or alive the duo will be taken, IRC warden Juan Mabugat has since said as well.
The jail guards on duty then were identified as Provincial Guard (PG) 2 Dominador Grajales as Officer of the Day, PG 2 Danilo Suede, PG 2 Winifredo. Acojeda, PG 2.Rommel. Aviador, PG 2 Jorge Viloria PG 2 Baltazar Gumban Jr., PG2 Joseph Renante Catedral. PG2 Nonilon Tamorite, PG2 Johnny Chiva, PG2 Antonio Baitan Jr., PG2 Rommel Pasquin, PG2 Emmanuel Guardialao, PG2 Felix. Barotolome, PG2 Daniel Lauresta and PG2 Noel Crucero.