SURIGAO CITY — A drug suspect who escaped from police custody was recaptured Friday afternoon following a swift dragnet operation by law enforcement in Surigao City.
Police identified the fugitive as Jhon Matthew Tibas Fahilago, also known as “Althea,” 18, a resident of Purok Springville B, Barangay Luna, Surigao City. He was arrested at around 4:25 p.m. on Sarvida Street, Barangay Taft, with the assistance of his relatives.
Fahilago initially escaped at around 1:30 p.m. while being transported by General Luna police to an inquest proceeding at the Bulwagan ng Katarungan in Surigao City. He managed to flee at Global Port along Borromeo Street, Barangay Taft, according to a phone call made to PLTCOL Mariano C. Lukban, chief of the Surigao City Component Police Station (CCPS).
Surigao CCPS was immediately alerted by the escorting officers, PSSg Michael R. Maucesa and PMSg Romeo J. Penson. In response, Lukban mobilized all available beat, mobile, and motorcycle patrol units, including the SWAT and station personnel, to conduct a citywide dragnet operation.
Police also coordinated with the Surigao del Norte Police Provincial Office, the 1st Provincial Mobile Force Company, and the Taganaan Municipal Police Station to block all potential exit points in and out of the city. The suspect’s family was contacted and cooperated with authorities during the search.
Fahilago had been arrested on July 9 in Barangay Malinao, General Luna, Surigao del Norte, for alleged violation of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. He was informed of his constitutional rights and the provisions of the Anti-Torture Law in a language he understood.
He is now under temporary detention at Surigao CCPS and faces an additional charge of evasion of service of sentence under Article 157 of the Revised Penal Code. Police said a full incident report is being prepared.
Authorities and members of the public commended the rapid coordination among police units and the cooperation of the suspect’s relatives, which led to Fahilago’s successful recapture.
