A high value individual in the illegal drug trade who escaped from the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) custodial facility was rearrested evening on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The suspect identified as Alfred Ismael Magallanes Matute escaped in the early hours of February 5.

DPCO Director, Col. Mannan Muarip, said the suspect escaped by hiding under a table used by detainees to store their food. The suspect may have come out around 2 a.m., climbed toward the second floor, and descended the stairs near the station of the duty custodial officer.

The custodial officer may not have noticed him at that time.

The suspect then climbed over the gate of the custodial facility and left the DCPO headquarters through the entrance gate under construction.

“Yung nakatakas, is galing siya sa selda na ‘to. Meron siyang parang table dito na lagayan ng kanilang mga pagkain. ‘Yung table na ‘yun, after ng accounting nila ng gabi, malamang nagtago siya rito. Sila lang ang pumasok diyan. Nung madaling araw around 2 am, lumabas siya then inakyat niya, dinhi mismo… doon siya lumabas,” Muarip said.

Authorities then launched a manhunt after the tracker team of the Special Operations Group received information that the suspect was hiding in Buhagin.

“Pagdating doon, nakita ng operatives natin na nandoon ang suspek kaya kinasa ang pag-aaresto sa kanya. Right after pag aresto sa kanya, ipinresent natin siya sa ating City Director, PCol. Mannan Muarip around 11:30PM kagabi and ngayon is nabalik na siya sa ating DCPO detention facility,” DCPO Spokesperson, Capt. Hazel Caballero Tuazon, said.

Aside from the drug charges, the suspect may also face additional charges in connection with his escape from police custody.

Authorities said they have tightened security measures at the facility, including closing the open area through which the suspect escaped, and strictly regulating privileges for both detainees and visitors.

“‘Yung open area na nandoon dumaan ‘yung detainee natin is pina-close na talaga and then ‘yung mga privilege na ibinibigay natin sa nga detainees at tsaka sa visitors nila, iniistrikto na natin,” Tuazon added.