15 inmates break out of Calbayog jail

CALBAYOG, Philippines—At least 15 inmates armed with high-powered firearms and improvised knives escaped from the city jail at 9 a.m. Wednesday, according to the police.

An initial report from Superintendent Elmer Cinco, Calbayog police chief, said the inmates took two M-16 rifles, one shotgun and one 9-mm pistol from the jailguards before they rushed out of the gate of the city jail compound in Barangay (village) Gadgaran, two kilometers from the city proper.

The inmates were identified as Eddie Cagomoc, Palang Delos Reyes, Boy Pintuan, Parag Cuanico, Nelwin Juanerio, Miemie Juligado, Edwin Abria, Pinote Salsalejo, Gerry Dealagdon, Omang Carpio, Ian Panti, Joey Agas, Efren Pante, Malix Lucente and Dindo Calagos.

The inmates were facing various charges ranging from robbery to murder.

The report did not indicate how the inmates were able to escape. Inspector Gusser Gadong, jail warden, declined to release a statement while a  pursuit operation was ongoing. Journalists were also barred from entering the city jail premises.

The city jail is guarded by 26 personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Residents living near the city jail said they did notice or hear any commotion in the facility but got scared when, at 9 a.m., they saw the inmates rushing out of the gate, carrying firearms and improvised knives made of bamboo.

The Eastern Visayas PNP has ordered the Samar provincial police to join forces with the military to conduct checkpoint and manhunt operations. With a report from Julliane de Jesus, INQUIRER.net