Navotas jail warden axed for escape of 5 inmates

MANILA, Philippines - The Navotas City Jail warden was sacked from his post yesterday after five inmates escaped before dawn Monday.

Senior Jail Officer 2 Wilfredo Ungui, Navotas City Jail custodial unit chief, said Senior Inspector Manny Serquena was placed on “floating” status and replaced by Chief Inspector Glennford Valdetenas as city jail warden.

Ungui said four jail guards were suspended for the escape of detainees Mark Anthony Austria, who faces a murder case; Alex Alejandro, charged with robbery; Narciso Dicipulo, a drug suspect; Daryl Salvador and Lito Labongray, both accused of illegal possession of bladed weapons.

Salvador and Alejandro were recaptured Tuesday.

Ungui said Valdetenas immediately asked for additional personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology National Capital Region Office to augment the 53 personnel of the city jail, which houses a total of 413 prisoners in a facility designed for only 200 inmates.

He said the jail is constantly flooded due to heavy rains and high tide.