15 QC cops face criminal raps over escape of 6 Chinese inmates

In a press briefing Tuesday, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo said the erring officers were charged with evasion through negligence, a violation of Article 224 of the Revised Penal Code before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office. (Pixabay Photo)

MANILA – Criminal charges have been filed against the 15 police officers who were on duty when six Chinese inmates escaped from their detention facility in Camp Karingal in Quezon City.

In a press briefing Tuesday, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo said the erring officers were charged with evasion through negligence, a violation of Article 224 of the Revised Penal Code before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Office.

“‘Yung (administrative) case nila, ongoing ‘yung investigation (As for their administrative cases, the investigation is still ongoing),” Montejo added.

On June 22, Chinese nationals Zhang Yi Xin, Ludong Jin, Song Qicheng, Lu Yinliang, Huang Yong Qiao and Chen Bin were found to be missing during a headcount at the temporary custodial facility inside the camp.

They were rearrested in a follow-up operation in Barangay Krus na Ligas on June 23 and were transferred to a detention facility in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City.

The suspects are among the 342 foreign nationals arrested by the Bureau of Immigration and the QCPD for working without proper permits and visas at a building in Barangay Bago Bantay, Quezon City in December last year.

They were also found working for a licensed Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) that was not yet allowed by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation to operate.