MANILA, Philippines - A very stringent jail policy and criminal cases with no court hearing dates have led to the escape of some 21 inmates from the city jail in Bukidnon, police said on Thursday.
Local police in Valencia City have interviewed the 254 inmates who also complained that jail guards have been reducing the food rations brought by their visitors.
Initial investigation showed that the jailbreak happened around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday after inmates attended the alternative learning school inside the facility in Brgy. Pinatilan, Valencia.
After the class, the prisoners reportedly managed to get inside the armory and took five 9mm pistols and six shotguns.
The inmates overpowered the guards and escaped by climbing the wall at the back of the jail and escaping via the ricefield.
The escapees were Khalid Anggao, Ronald Ga, Teofisto Villamero, Jorem Barros, Carlos Lubos, Rogelio Tayros, Reymart Belmes, Roel Llacuna, Rodney Trinidad, Name Usop, Kairama Usop, Dionesio Daulong, Albert Espinosa, Macxie Macarampat, Jeffrey Odagon, Ronnie Recibdo, Abdul Nasser Roquero, Jamal Sambarani, Jenie Armecin, Marlon Canoy and Papaw Sarip.
Sambarani, one of the escapees, voluntarily surrendered to authorities five hours later, police said.
Police recovered a shotgun and two get away motorcycles during the pursuit operations.