DOJ urges BuCor to consider monetary reward for info on Bilibid escapees

The Department of Justice urged the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) to consider offering a monetary reward in exchange for information on two inmates who remain at large after escaping prison.

In January, a total of four inmates escaped the maximum security compound of the New Bilibd Prison. Two inmates were killed during manhunt operations while inmates Chris Ablas and Drakilou Falcon remain at large.

“I have also suggested to the BuCor to consider offering a monetary reward to any person who could provide information that would lead to a successful re-arrest of these fugitives,” Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

Falcon was convicted of robbery with homicide and illegal possession of firearms. He has pending cases of double murder, frustrated murder, attempted murder, and robbery.

Ablas was convicted of robbery with homicide.

Both were sentenced to reclusion perpetua.

Guevarra said it was difficult to find the escapees as everyone was wearing a face mask due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“Each day that passes makes the task of recapturing these escapees more difficult. But the BuCor tracking team is relentlessly hunting them. They have coordinated with some LGUs and our Coast Guard,” Guevarra said.

Guevarra called on the escapees to surrender.

“I am also calling on these escapees to voluntarily turn themselves in at the nearest police station because the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them, wherever they hide,” he said. — DVM, GMA News