MANILA, Philippines — Two detainees were able to escape from the Quezon City Jail as personnel were conducting an earthquake drill before dawn yesterday.
Mamero Valenzuela and Dennis Valdez reportedly escaped through a septic tank at around 4:40 a.m. as the jail guards were taking part in the 5th Metro Manila Shake Drill, according to Chief Inspector Xavier Solda, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) spokesman.
“We still need to investigate the matter though initially, we were told they took advantage of the earthquake drill this morning,” he said in a text message.
He said BJMP personnel are conducting a hot pursuit operation to recapture the two detainees.
The incident was reported to the Quezon City police at around 8:15 a.m.
Valenzuela is accused of rape while Valdez was held on drug and gun charges.