JAILBREAK The seven inmates who bolted the jail facility of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office 9 in Zamboanga City on Monday morning (May 13, 2024). A manhunt is underway against the suspects. PNP PHOTO
Authorities launched a manhunt against seven persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) who escaped from a jail facility of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Regional Office (PDEA RO) 9 in Zamboanga City on Monday dawn.
The Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) identified the escapees as Wilson Indanan Sahiban, Junjimar Hajili Aiyob, Jimmy Angeles Sahibol, Kerwin Mohammad Abdilla, Albadir Mala Ajijul, Muhajiran Romeo Jumlah and Amil Khan Mahadali Abubasar.
An initial report said a prison guard discovered the jailbreak at around 2:45 a.m. and informed the duty officer about the incident.
Upon inspection, PDEA personnel discovered that only one PDL was inside the facility.
Initial investigation showed the suspects created a tiny hole above the jail's ceiling, which they used to escape.
The PDEA RO 9 and the ZCPO have created tracker teams to locate and arrest the escapees.
The seven suspects were arrested during the May 3 buy-bust in the city's Barangay Mampang, which yielded 21.4 kg. of shabu with an estimated street value of P145.5 million.
The PDEA tagged the operation as the biggest drug haul in the Zamboanga Peninsula in recent years.
Meanwhile, some P5.6 million worth of illegal drugs were seized in weeklong anti-drug operations in the Bicol region from May 6 to 12.
In a report on Monday, Brig. Gen. Andre Dizon, Police Regional Office-Bicol (PRO5) chief, said different stations and units conducted 25 anti-drug operations during the period.
Seized were 833.37 grams of shabu and 25.55 grams of marijuana from 31 arrested drug suspects.
Dizon said among the operations, one notable arrest was that of alias "Kaloy", 32, a high-value individual of Barangay Pawa, Tabaco City in Albay province.
"During the buy-bust operation, he was found in possession of approximately 418.525 grams of shabu with an estimated value of PHP2.8 million," he said.
"Kaloy" is facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and is currently detained at Tabaco police station for proper disposition.
Dizon said the PRO5 remains steadfast in its partnership with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in pursuing and apprehending those involved in drug-related activities to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. PNA
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