9 inmates bolt Quezon City jail

MANILA, Philippines - Nine inmates at a detention cell inside a police station in Fairview, Quezon City escaped early morning yesterday.

Three of the fugitives were reportedly arrested following a manhunt operation, but there was no official confirmation yet on this from the police as of press time.

Chief Superintendent George Regis, director of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD), said an investigation is ongoing to determine how the inmates managed to sneak a hacksaw, which they used to cut the cell’s iron grills.

“Definitely, sanctions will be imposed,” Regis told The STAR in an interview.

QCPD-Station 5 commander Superintendent Edgardo Pamittan identified the inmates as drug suspects Pedro Perez, Richard Santos, Severilio Soriano and Russell Patintay; Richard David and Romulo Pagnate (theft); Ernesto Samasanta and Alex Francisco (malicious mischief); and Joel Gaburot (violation of a city ordinance).

“I couldn’t understand why even those with lower offenses also escaped. (For example) those who were detained for malicious mischief and violation of city ordinance are just facing fines for their offenses. Now they’re facing a graver offense for escaping,” Pamittan told The STAR.