TABUK CITY, Kalinga – Two detainees of the Tabuk City Police Station in Barangay Laya West here escaped on Sunday, Jan. 4.
Police identified the escapees as Andres Benito Jr., 35, and Michael Macagne, 39, both farmers and residents of Barangay Bulanao, Tabuk City.
Investigation said they escaped between 2:30 a.m. and 4:15 a.m.
A police officer was roused from sleep due to loud noise from the back of the detention area and noticed that two detainees were missing.
The incident was immediately reported to the duty jailer, who conducted a head count and confirmed their absence. Their escape was reported the incident to the Tactical Operations Center.
Police said the suspects cut the round bars of their cell, climbed a concrete wall, slipped through a small hole, went down an alley on the first floor of the station, and exited through the back door to the provincial road.
The suspects were arrested on Dec. 17 for allegedly violating Republic Act No. 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) and Republic Act No. 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act).
Police Lt. Col. Jack Angog, Tabuk police chief, said they are conducting a coordination and manhunt operation against them.
He called on the people to remain vigilant and provide information that may help in their immediate capture.