Manhunt on for 3 Masbate escapees

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities have launched a massive manhunt for three escapees of the Palanas district jail in Masbate who killed a jail officer and a fellow inmate last July 6.

Director Rosendo Dial of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology said they have coordinated with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army in tracking down Rommel Padailap, Jessie Cabier, and Romeo Olasla Jr., who are facing rape, murder and frustrated murder charges, respectively.

“In fact, (a cash reward of) P50,000 for each escapee awaits those who can give information leading to their arrest,” he said.

Dial said the three escapees were reportedly seen in a school in Placer, three towns away from Palanas. Their bags were recovered in the area.

He said the jailbreakers face additional murder charges once they are caught for the killing of Senior Jail Officer 1 Rene Danao and inmate Romulo Pason Afable, who refused to join them as he was to be released on July 28.

A jail guard, JO2 Julius Cervantes, was also attacked. He remains confined at the Mother Seton Hospital in Naga City.