MANILA, Philippines — Four inmates have managed to escape from the jail of the Bacolod City Police Office Station 3 before dawn on Monday.
Police on Tuesday identified the escapees as Sunny Capa, Ely Lorence, Michael Peñoso, and Jeffrey Elangos. They escaped the police station at about 12:45 a.m.
A report from the Bacolod City Police Office said the escapees removed the iron bars of their cell with a small saw blade.
Staff Sergeant Christian Alinsoring, case investigator, told INQUIRER.net in an interview that it was possible the saw blade was snuck in by one of the relatives of the inmates during a visit.
Alinsoring said Elangos was facing a case for violation of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act, while the three others are charged with violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
The desk officer and jailer who were on duty at the time of the escape, meanwhile, were relieved for neglect of duty. Police said criminal and administrative cases will be filed against them.
Meanwhile, a manhunt operation is ongoing to recapture the escapees.