12 break out of Batangas town jail

BATANGAS CITY, Philippines — Twelve detainees escaped from the holding cell of the Malvar town police station in Batangas on Monday, authorities said.

Senior Supt. Leopoldo Cabanag, Batangas police director, said the detainees cut the steel bars at the back of their cell and fled at about 4 a.m.

Cabanag said 11 of the escapees identified as Diego Barola, Melvin Ona, Jerald Rivo, Leodigario Lara Jr., John Raniel Hiwatig, Arvie Villegas, El King Leonida, Carissa May Salagan, Noel Malpas, Artemio Castillo and Moris Rap Publico were facing drug charges. Another escapee, Fredie Santos, was being held for murder.

A manhunt has been launched to recapture the detainees, Cabanag said. CBB