High-Value Drug Suspect Escapes Davao Police Custody, Six Officers Relieved
A 35-year-old detainee classified as a Top 4 City-Level High-Value Individual in illegal drugs cases has escaped from the Davao City Police Office custodial facility, prompting an extensive manhunt and the relief of six police personnel. The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, February 5, 2026, though it was only discovered during the morning headcount.
Suspect Identified and Escape Details
The escapee has been identified as Alfred Magallanes Matute, who faces charges under Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, since December 21, 2025. According to police authorities, Matute managed to flee from the detention center located in Davao City.
Closed-circuit television footage reviewed by investigators shows that at approximately 2:00 a.m., Matute positioned himself at the far end of his cell and concealed himself in a hidden corner. He then climbed to the second floor, passed through a staircase, and exited through the front portion of the custodial facility. The suspect ultimately bolted out through a nearby construction site, which was identified as a blind spot not covered by CCTV cameras.
Security Lapses and Personnel Actions
During a special press conference on Friday morning, February 6, Davao City Police Office acting city director Police Colonel Mannan Muarip confirmed the escape and acknowledged significant security vulnerabilities within the facility. The detention center currently houses 45 detainees, many of whom are considered high-value individuals linked to drug offenses and other serious crimes.
"We saw in the CCTV footage that he was at the end of his cell, in his supposed placement area. There was a time when he hid in a hiding spot there, then he climbed to the second floor. He passed through the staircase again then went up to the front. So we can really see, and based on this explanation from the custodial officers, we can see who really has liability during that incident and who was at fault," Muarip told local media.
Following the incident, six personnel, including custodial officers and supervisory staff, have been relieved from duty pending the outcome of an investigation into possible negligence. Authorities are also examining allegations that some guards may have fallen asleep while on duty.
Ongoing Manhunt and Surrender Appeal
Police have launched an extensive search operation across Davao City to locate and re-arrest Matute. Muarip issued a direct appeal to the escapee, urging him to turn himself in peacefully.
"I urge you to surrender at the nearest station, because we will not stop until you are recaptured," Muarip stated.
Authorities are also encouraging family members and close acquaintances of Matute to convince him to surrender voluntarily. The incident marks the first recorded prison breakout in Davao City for 2026, raising public safety concerns among residents.
Security Enhancements and Future Measures
The Davao City Police Office has vowed to strengthen security at the custodial facility by implementing several measures:
- Replacing existing locks with more secure alternatives
- Redesigning vulnerable areas identified during the investigation
- Reviewing and updating existing detention protocols
- Addressing structural weaknesses that contributed to the escape
Muarip emphasized that these improvements would be implemented within the week to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. While the breakout has highlighted security shortcomings, police assured the public that Matute's capture remains their top priority as manhunt operations continue throughout the city.
