Rommel Ventura Lachica escaped detention in 1986 at the Bureau of Corrections, went to the United States and acquired citizenship there in 1990 as “Rommel Reyes Agoncillo.” While Lachica was on vacation to visit his family, authorities were informed of his presence in the country and arrested him last Wednesday in a subdivision in Cainta, Rizal.
According to Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Police Director Victor Deona, the group of Calabarzon CIDG regional chief Senior Superintendent Joel Pernito collared Lachica inside his family’s home in St. Francis Subdivision in Barangay San Juan at 7:30 a.m.
Deona said Lachica was missing for 29 years after escaping from detention on March 18, 1986 after he was sentenced for life imprisonment in 1979 by the Pasig Regional Trial Court.
“He left the country for Los Angeles, California, USA and became a US citizen sometime in 1990 under the name of Rommel Reyes Agoncillo,” the CIDG chief said.
He said Lachica has been turned over to the BuCor in Muntinlupa City and is facing charges for using a fictitious name, concealing true name and falsification of public documents.