FIVE persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) bolted the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) jail facility in Manjuyod, Negros Oriental early Monday, February 3, 2020.

Provincial Police Director Julian Entoma said the escapees are considered high-risk personalities considering the cases they are facing.

The five were identified as Janly Calunsod Callao, 39; Julan dela Cruz Paculanang, 30; Ronnie Juanico Flores, 25; Joseph Balderas Casido, 24; and Lito Cayetano Pedro, 49, all natives of Negros Oriental.

Calunsod, Dela Cruz, and Cayetano are facing rape charges, while Flores was charged with illegal possession of firearms, and Casido

with murder.

Entoma said he has ordered his men to organize two teams to help the BJMP track down the suspects.

He added that he is asking the help of the military just in case the escapees have fled to areas affected by insurgency.

An initial report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (Noppo) said the escaped PDLs, all males, were discovered missing from the Manjuyod jail during the regular headcount around 7 a.m.

The suspects appeared to have escaped by destroying the ceiling/roof of their detention cell although jail authorities are still conducting further investigation on the incident. (PNA)