2 North Cotabato jail officers sacked

MANILA, Philippines - Two officials of the North Cotabato District Jail (NCDJ) were relieved from their posts on Sunday in the wake of the attack by suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters that led to the escape of 158 inmates.

Relieved were Senior Superintendent Alberto Balauag,  Bureau of Jail Management and Penology-Central Mindanao director, and  Superintendent Peter John Bongat, NCDJ officer-in-charge.

Senior Inspector Xavier Solda, BJMP spokesman, said Balauag was replaced by Senior Superintendent Joel Superficial while Chief Inspector Jesus Singson took over Bongat’s post.

Solda said the North Cotabato provincial government recommended the relief of the two officials to ensure an impartial investigation of the incident.

Meanwhile, Solda said they beefed up security in detention facilities in Mindanao  “to prevent another possible attack.”

At least 60 escapees have been accounted for since Jan. 5 when jail operatives with the support of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines launched pursuit operations.

Fifty were recaptured while 10 were killed in firefights with law enforcers.

Solda said three escapees were arrested in separate areas in North Cotabato over the weekend. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Emmanuel Tupaz