Hunt for escaped Laguna prisoners moves to Cavite

CAMP PACIANO RIZAL, Philippines – The hunt for two prisoners who escaped from the Laguna provincial jail continued Thursday.

Laguna jail warden Cesar Perez said the authorities were now searching areas in Cavite province, where the prisoners might be hiding.

The inmates – Allan Villanueva, who was detained for possession of illegal drugs, and Noel Cacalda, who was convicted of murder – escaped from prison in Sta. Cruz town at around 5:30 p.m. on Monday, said Perez.

Perez said the two escaped shortly after the routine head count by climbing up the prison’s 10-foot concrete wall and making their way through the barbed wire fence.

“They were assigned that day to get food from the kitchen for their cellmates. The guard said he went to the comfort room and didn’t notice that they were already gone,” Perez said.

Jail officials discovered the jail break about an hour later when the other inmates complained about not getting their food.

Perez said the jail guard on duty, Julio Uwe, should be held liable and would be recommended for dismissal because of his negligence.

Villanueva, a resident of Lumban, Laguna, had been in jail for three months, while Cacalda, from Calauan, Laguna, had been serving time for three years.

Perez said they coordinated with the police in Cavite to help in the manhunt. He believed the escaped prisoners were still together to this day.