RECAPTURED. Aljon Cardenas handcuffed inside the Calbayog City police station in Samar. Policemen nabbed Cardenas Sunday, (Oct. 20, 2019), three days after his escape from Northern Samar sub-provincial jail. (Photo courtesy of Philippine National Police)
TACLOBAN CITY -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Samar province recaptured on Sunday a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) three days after he escaped from the sub-provincial jail in Allen, Northern Samar.
The PNP Samar provincial office reported on its Facebook page that Aljon Cardenas was rearrested around 12:15 p.m. at his residence in Dawo village, Calbayog City. He is now under the custody of Calbayog police station.
Cardenas, 19, broke out of jail by climbing the six-meter concrete perimeter wall around 8 p.m. on October 17.
He was one of the 50 NPA rebels who attacked the Victoria, Northern Samar municipal police station on March 28, 2019. The three-hour gun battle killed three rebels while four were arrested, including Cardenas.
Only two of the 15 police officers on duty were slightly injured after successfully defending their unit. Cardenas has been charged with illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
On Friday, PNP Region 8 director, Brig. Gen. Dionardo Carlos expressed disappointment over Cardenas' escape as he promised to strengthen dragnet operation to recapture one of the suspects behind the police station attack. (PNA)
