ZAMBOANGA CITY — Five Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) bolted from the Basilan Provincial Jail in Isabela City after two persons posing as visitors aided the five PDLs in securing their temporary freedom.

Basilan Provincial Police Office Director Col. Cerrazid Umabong said yesterday that the incident took place on Saturday afternoon at the Basilan Provincial Jail located in Barangay Sumagdang in  Isabela City.

Umabong said two men had posed as PDL visitors and, upon entering the jail facility gate, they pointed a handgun at the jail guard identified as jail guard Baser S. Halilulla.

While holding Halilulla, one  of them immediately  ran to the detention cell and set the five PDLs free, he said.

The jail breakers were identified as Amar Mohammad of Albarka, Basilan; Teddi Boga of Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo; Ibrahim Badju of Barangay Tuburan Proper: Mohammad Ajul; Mahad Hassan of  Barangay Mahatallang, Sumisip; and Muad Ahmad of Barangay Tambulig, Mohammad Ajul.

Umabong failed to enumerate the cases filed against the five PDLs, who  were all facing court proceedings. 

The Provincial Jail and Isabela City Police Station immediately conducted a hot pursuit operation to recapture the escapees.

The operation was focused on the possible escape routes, particularly in the vicinity of Basilan State College, Isabela City, Basilan, and other identified areas of interest.

Umabong said all PNP units in Basilan have been alerted to conduct checkpoints to recapture the fleeing prisoners. 

Policemen from BPPO were immediately deployed to the area in coordination with the Isabela City Police Station to trace the jail breakers’ whereabouts.