Remaining La Paz fugitive urged to surrender
Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director Sr. Supt. Melvin Mongcal said the Philippine National Police is using its vast resources in their manhunt operation against Mark Anthony Cahandig, one of the two prisoners who recently bolted out of the lock-up cell of the La Paz Police Station.
Cahandig’s companion Alberto Patpat surrendered to Mongcal late evening of October 17. He was accompanied by his mother and former city councilor Atty. Joshua Alim. The escapee requested that he be jailed at the detention cell of the city police rather than in La Paz police station.
Mongcal said it would be best for Cahandig to yield than to go on hiding. He should follow Patpat for yielding to the police after weeks of hiding.
Cahandig is facing charges for possession of illegal drugs while Patpat for robbery.
There were initial information about Cahandig’s alleged plan to surrender but the police are still having close coordination with the detainee’s family. Operatives have yet to pinpoint Cahandig’s exact location after he escaped.
The police launched a series of operations against the two escapees but efforts turned futile. They were given 72 hours to account for the escapees. The escape placed the police in bad light for what seems to be apparent lapses on their part.
It prompted Mayor Jerry Treñas to issue an order to Mongcal to effect the relief of policemen who are considered as “non-performing assets” of the police.