Abu Sayyaf member, 7 inmates bolt Basilan jail

ZAMBOANGA CITY - At least eight detainees, including an Abu Sayyaf member, escaped from the provincial jail in Isabela City, Basilan Province on Tuesday morning.

Superintendent Albert Larubis, Isabela City police chief, said the inmates bolted from the Basilan Provincial Jail in Barangay Geras Sumagdang at around 8 a.m.

He said jail officials learned of the escape only after a civilian reported that a prisoner had bolted from the facility.

Provincial jail warden Abdulhusim Atalad said the inmates escaped by climbing through the ceiling and jumping out of the concrete perimeter fence.

Larubis, meanwhile, said that he has ordered further investigation. He suspects outsiders could have helped the inmates to escape.

“The jail personnel alleged that the detainees reportedly passed through the ceiling and escaped. Our police are conducting further investigation to determine if there was an outsider who might have assisted in the escape,” Larubis said.

The inmates who escaped were identified as Abu Sayyaf member Said Usman, Akmad Arasani, Obet dela Cruz, Serham Akalun alias Bagio, Benhar Ibrahim, Oliver Tinguha, Mumar Jajuli;and Arajan Dala.

The police has launched a province-wide manhunt to capture the inmates.