2 escape jail in Moalboal

CEBU, Philippines - Two detainees of Moalboal Police Station bolted out of prison while pretending to fix the cell's ceiling amid the heavy rain Tuesday night.

Police are now looking for the escapees - Romeo Gabato alias George, 45, of Barangay Basdiot, Moalboal and Junbert Abrenica, 26, of Barangay Saavedra, Moalboal.

Both were arrested for drug sale and possession, a violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

As per investigation, it was raining heavily Tuesday night and rainwater leaked through the ceiling of the cell where 14 detainees, including Gabato and Abrenica, are held. The police station has another cell where eight other detainees were detained.

Gabato and Abrenica allegedly suggested that they fix the ceiling made of grills so the leakage would stop.

But Flor Albaracin, one of the detainees, later noticed that the two were no longer around. He and the other inmates found a whole on the ceiling, enough for the bodies of the two escapees to fit.

Albaracin then informed the desk officer, Police Officer 3 Ramon Chinel, what happened.

Senior Inspector Narciso Abapo, chief of Moalboal Police Station, said they received information that the two detainees escaped separately. In fact, he said, one of the two crossed Negros Island using a pump boat.

According to Abapo, the family of one of the escapees disclosed that the escapee visited their house and asked for water and clothes before boarding on the pump boat.

Moalboal police are now coordinating with their counterpart in Negros Island for the recapture of the escapee. A manhunt operation is also underway for the other escapee. (FREEMAN)