5 inmates bolt Basilan jail

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Five detainees escaped from the Basilan Provincial Jail in a daring “rescue” in Isabela City on Sunday.

Jail officer Baser Halilulla said two men pretended to visit prisoners to gain entry into the jail compound in Barangay Sumagdang.

Once inside, the two pointed their guns at a guard before sprinting to the detention cell and setting free inmates Amar Mohammad, Teddi Boga, Ibrahim Badju, Mahad Hassan and Muad Ahmad – all natives of Basilan and serving sentences for murder.

Jail personnel and a joint team from the police and military are pursuing the escapees.

Col. Cerrazid Umabong, Basilan Provincial Police Office director, alerted all police units in the province about the escape and directed them to intensify intelligence gathering to recapture the prisoners.

The military’s 101st Infantry Brigade is also on alert as it joins the pursuit.