7 inmates bolt Quezon jail

MANILA, Philippines - Police have launched a massive manhunt for seven inmates who bolted the jail on Polillo Island in Quezon by sawing off the grills of their detention cell last Thursday.

Senior Superintendent Valeriano de Leon, Quezon police director, said teams were fielded to recapture robbery accused Mark Anthony Capayas, 18; Leoven Bo, 24; and Arnold John Montano, 19; murder suspect Melchor Buegis, 43; theft suspect Arwel Grispor, 33; and Merlito Bo, 26, who is charged with illegal possession of a deadly weapon.

The jail guard on duty, PO2 Randy Novelo Barias, was the one who discovered the jailbreak and immediately informed the personnel at the perimeter, namely SPO2 Trevor Abrigo Torrano, PO3 Joel Magbanlac Azogue, and PO2 Boy Ryan Comia Cabaguio.

But it was too late as the inmates had made good their escape. Reports said the perimeter personnel were busy preparing for their physical fitness test.

– Cecille Suerte Felipe, Michelle Zoleta