17 bolt Tondo jail; 5 captured

Seventeen prisoners of the Jose Abad Santos police station in Tondo, Manila escaped under the cloak of heavy rains and the noise of running water early yesterday morning.

Five of the escapees, however, were recaptured shortly after the manhunt operations was launched.

The escapees, who face various charges from rape to robbery, reportedly used a picklock to open their cell and passed through a side door of the police station by cutting off the wires that secure the knob.

Eight other prisoners remained in their cramped detention cell and refused to join their cellmates in the daring escape.

The cell houses only male detainees as female prisoners are detained at the Tayuman police community precinct.

An investigation conducted by the Manila Police District’s (MPD) General Assignment Section chief Superintendent Marcelino Pedrozo Jr. showed that the jailbreak was initiated by Roosevelt Bondoc, who is facing a robbery case at around 3 a.m.

The escapees reportedly turned on the faucet and the noise created by the running water, aided by heavy rains, camouflaged the prisoners’ activity.

The jailbreak was only noticed after a routine check-up past 4 a.m.

Following a manhunt, five of the escapees were recaptured at their known lairs and hangouts. They were identified as Christian Garcia, Jaime Salcedo, Roberto Macalalad, Rolando Alba and Marlon Fernando.

Now the subject of a massive manhunt are Jonathan Pantig, Ariel Dollente, Divino Jimenez, Rolando Bautista, Florecel Gutierrez, Edwin Magusara, Roy Serrano, Sonny de los Reyes, Rolando Dizon, Jonathan Poreda, Carlito Relox and Bondoc.

Newly appointed Jose Abad Santos police station chief Superintendent Arturo Paglinawan said he has received surrender feelers from three escapees.

MPD director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong personally inspected yesterday the scene of the mass jailbreak, and discussed ways to improve the security situation in all police detention cells with officials.

Bulaong also disarmed and placed under investigation Superintendent Vicente Tan, the station’s deputy commander who is in charge of the night shift; night desk officer SPO4 Renato dela Cruz and jail officer SPO3 Ramon Perucho. They are facing criminal and administrative charges for possible neglect in the custody of prisoners.

The MPD chief also ordered Task Force Galugad under Chief Inspector Alberto Peco and all police stations in Manila to join in the manhunt for the remaining escapees.