3 inmates bolt Basay Police detention cell

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines — Three inmates are now the subject of a police manhunt after they were found early yesterday to have bolted the lock-up facility of the Police Station in Basay town of Negros Oriental.

Provincial Police OIC director, Senior Superintendent Mariano Natuel Jr. confirmed that the three managed to escape by sawing off the iron grills of the detention cell at the Basay Police Station.

The escaped inmates were identified as Reckie Rota Pilapil, Antonio Abrasaldo Mejia (detained for alleged violation of the Dangerous Drugs Act) and RechieTibudan (for alleged statutory rape).

Initial investigation showed that Police Officer 2 Mark Anthony Apsay discovered the inmates' escape only hours later or around 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. yesterday.

Natuel said all police stations were alerted immediately of the jailbreak while the Basay Police, headed by Inspector Elpidio Taguan, will be investigated for possible lapses or negligence of duty.

Natuel added that the police force are now doing their best to capture the escapees.  (FREEMAN)