Camp Vicente Lim, Laguna: Twelve inmates escaped from Malvar Police jail in Batangas on Monday after cutting the steel bars of the 10-foot high ventilation window of the detention cell.
The escapees have been identified as Diego Baes Barola, Melvin Tacia Ona, Jerald Estrella Rivo, Leodegario Silva Lara Jr., John Raniel Hiwatig Castillo, Arvie Santillan Villegas, El King Paulino Leonida, Carissa May Cauilan Salagan, Noel Garcia Malpas, Artemio Joloan Castillo and Moris Rap Publico – all facing illegal drug cases – and Freddie Custodio, who is charged with murder, reported Manila Times.
Initial investigation reportedly showed that the detainees cut the iron bars using a steel saw and tied blankets to get out through the ventilation window.
A Special Investigation Task Group to probe the incident has been created while a manhunt for the recapture of the escapees as well as a 24-hour lockdown (checkpoints) in the province were immediately ordered, the report said.
Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag, acting police provincial director, has reportedly ordered the removal of Senior Insp. Alberto Fabregas, chief of police of Malvar Municipal Police Station, including three other personnel.
Authorities enjoined the public to provide information that will result in the recapture of the escapees by contacting 0915-336-6396, said the news portal.
