21 escape from Bukidnon jail but 5 recaptured immediately

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Philippines – Twenty-one inmates of the Valencia City Jail in Bukidnon province escaped at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday.

The escapees also took away six shotguns and five 9mm firearms from the prison’s armory.

Senior Superintendent Marlon Torregae, regional director of the Bureau of Jail Manangement and Penology, said two inmates, who were among those taking classes under the Department of Education (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS), attacked Jail Officer 1 Jovy Rasonabe who was sitting at the administration office.

The two inmates, whom police did not identify, then tied Rasonable’s hands and feet with a rope.

Torregae said the two prisoners also overpowered female jail officers JO1 Annalee Galvez and JO1 Helen Pernites.

“They took the key of the armory and took the guns. They also opened the cellblocks,” Torregae said.

Torregae said the 21 inmates used the rear gate in their escape.

He said five of the 21 escapees have been recaptured.

“The hot pursuit operation will continue throughout the night,” he said.

Most of those who escaped are facing drugs-related cases. With Jamie Elona, INQUIRER.net