One of 16 Basilan jailbreakers recaptured

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Police have recaptured one of the 16 detainees who bolted the provincial jail of Basilan before dawn Friday.

Mahmod Morales, who was in jail for drugs charges, was nabbed in Malamawi Island near Isabela City late Friday afternoon.

“We tracked him down in Malamawi Island. We believed they broke into groups or individually,” Chief Inspector Christopher Panapan of the Basilan police said.

Police, aided by Marines, are hunting the 15 other inmates who escaped, including Abu Sayyaf members Enteng Anjil, Abu Sampang, Heting Askalin and Wakil Sampang.

Also being hunted are Buyongbuyong Isneol, Gapur Jainal, Jhon Jappal, Fernand Ramoncito; Ernie Ajibun, Hussien Ajibun, Darkis Marisa,  Rahim Latip, Ibrahin Mandos, Basit Jabdali and Maman Pactong. Authorities are investigating the jailbreak. – Roel Pareño