Police hunt down 2 escaped inmates from Surigao del Sur jail

MANILA, Philippines—Police authorities are on the lookout for two inmates who escaped from Surigao del Sur District Jail early Sunday, police said Monday.

Superintendent Martin Gamba, Caraga police spokesman, identified the fugitive as Joebert Perez a.k.a. “Ondo”, 33, resident of Barangay (village) La Purisima, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, and Babring Tejero, 35, resident of Tabon-tabon, Barangay Manyayay, Lianga, Surigao del Sur.

Perez was charged for kidnapping, serious illegal detention and robbery in band, while Babring Tejero was charged for kidnapping and illegal detention, he said.

Initial investigation revealed that Perez and Tejero cut the corrugated steel bars at the back portion of Detention Cell–1 with a hacksaw, and then leaped through the concrete perimeter fence near the visiting area to escape, Gamba said.

He said the duty jailer of the day discovered that the two were missing around 7 a.m. Sunday during headcount. Manhunt operations against said escapees are now conducted by local police officials, in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines for possible recapture of the detainees.