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Teno awaits jailbreak report
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Posted on Oct 15 1999
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio said yesterday he expects the Department of Public Safety to implement corrective measures on the heels of the fourth jailbreak in less than two years that indicate poor security at the Susupe prison facility.
A report will be handed to the governor after DPS completes its investigation into the escape of three inmates last Sunday, who were recaptured two days later by the police in Kagman III while having a drinking spree.
“The full report is forthcoming. They are still working on it,” Tenorio told reporters.
The three, Shawn Appleby, 19, Jeronimo S. Ada, 22, and Melvin N. Basa, 27, are currently under interrogation by investigators to try to determine how they managed to get out of jail.
Police said the information will be the basis for filing necessary charges against those who may be involved in the escape, including jail guards.
Tenorio, who expressed his disappointment over the incident, had met with DPS Commissioner Charles W. Ingram and Division of Corrections Director Gregory F. Castro to assess the situation.
“The commissioner and the director… should take necessary actions. I don’t know whether there will be termination,” he said when asked whether some officials or officers may be sacked due to the incident.
According to the governor, he will decide once the probe is completed and the report submitted to him. “(T)the sooner, the better. I’m waiting for it.”
The Oct. 10 escape is the latest in the string of jailbreaks that occurred under Ingram’s leadership — the worst happened last February when eight inmates bolted out of their cells in a daring dash to freedom that stunned the community.
Earlier, Tenorio issued stern warning to officers and jail guards to be more cautious next time in order to prevent similar incidents in the future, saying they don’t have to be reminded of their duties to keep peace and order.
Poor security, overcrowding and the deterioration of the DOC facility in Susupe have been blamed for the jailbreaks and the recent prison standoff, but island leaders hope to change the situation once the new correctional building is completed.
