A 50-year-old woman, the subject of a drug buy-bust operation in Iloilo who had previously escaped from police custody, was apprehended again by authorities after a dramatic pursuit.
The woman, identified as Jennifer Marifosque, originally from San Carlos, Negros Occidental but allegedly residing in Barangay Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City, was arrested yesterday afternoon, December 26, along with 29-year-old Arien Cadiz De La Peña. They were found in possession of alleged 120 grams of suspected shabu valued at approximately ₱816,000.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo, Police Captain Ryan Christ Inot, head of the City Drug Enforcement Unit (CDEU), revealed that Marifosque requested to use the comfort room on the second floor of the Molo Police Station after claiming she felt nauseous and had a stomachache.
A male officer escorted her but allowed her to close the door for privacy.
“Alam naman natin na basta lalaki ang nakahuli, diyan pa rin ang pag-respeto sa gender, so pinayagan naming na i-close yung pintuan ng C.R.,” Inot explained.
Taking advantage of the situation, Marifosque used a chair to climb out of the restroom window and jumped from the second floor to escape. She also turned on the faucet to distract the officer guarding her.
“Tumalon po siya mula sa second floor. Direct talagang talon. Nagulat nga kami na nagawa niya yun sa edad niya na 50,” the police officer added.
Authorities quickly launched a manhunt and spotted her on CCTV entering a mall before leaving shortly after.
Later that evening, Iloilo City Police Office Director Police Colonel Kim Legada confirmed to Mayor Jerry Treñas that Marifosque had been recaptured while eating barbecue at the Iloilo Central Market.
Despite the incident, Mayor Treñas commended the police for their efforts and directed the City Engineer’s Office to install iron bars on the windows of the police station’s comfort room to prevent similar escapes.
“Got this message from Pol. Col Kim Legada just this minute ‘Nadakop na sir ang naka palagyo gina. Naga-kaon barbeque sa central market sir.’ I instructed the city engineer to place iron bars in the comfort room window she escaped from. Congratulations to our PNP,” according to the city mayor.
Meanwhile, Treñas terminated the other subject of the buy-bust operation, Arien Cadiz De La Peña, from her role as a job hire in the Beautification Division of the Iloilo City Government.
The mayor emphasized that any involvement in illegal activities constitutes immediate grounds for dismissal. He also reiterated the city’s plan to implement random drug testing for all employees starting next year to ensure integrity and maintain a high standard of public service free from any connection to illegal drugs.
“I want to reassure the public that this incident will be dealt with swiftly and appropriately. The City Government remains committed to maintaining integrity and upholding the law in all its operations. We will continue to support the efforts of our police force in ensuring that Iloilo City remains a safe and drug-free community,” he added.#
