4 bolt Batangas jail

BATANGAS, Philippines – A manhunt has been launched for three of four inmates who escaped from a detention facility in Mataasnakahoy town yesterday.

Inspector Daniel Dela Cruz, Mataasnakahoy police chief, identified the escapees as Nico Malaluan, Erwin Calalo, Marjun Villaluz and Roy Jasper Gonzales.

Gonzales surrendered to Batangas police director Superintendent Arcadio Ronquillo Jr. after several hours at the prodding of his mother.

Initial reports showed the inmates picked the lock of their cell using a pointed metal. There were also reports that a young brother of one of the inmates stole the key from the jail guard.

Last week, Senior Jail Officer 1 Leonardo de Castro was killed when three inmates who escaped from the Balayan town jail shot him in the head.

One of the escapees and two policemen were killed in the follow-up operations.

Four police officers have been relieved from their posts after four inmates escaped from the Lipa City jail two weeks ago.