BUREAU of Corrections (Bucor) Chief Gerald Bantag ordered on Thursday, January 20, the relief of the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) maximum security compound’s superintendent, along with its commander of guards due to the escape of four persons deprived of liberty (PDL) from the facility.

Bantag ordered the relief of NBP maximum security compound superintendent Chief Superintendent Arnold Guzman and commander of guards Chief Inspector Israel Basi over command responsibility.

“They were relieved of their position and are now under the Directorate for Administration while investigation is still ongoing regarding the escape incident aforementioned,” Bucor spokesperson Gabriel Chaclag said.

Guzman will be replaced by Chief Superintendent Roy Villasi, while Basi will be succeeded by Chief Inspector Reynaldo Tuguinay.

On January 17, four PDLs identified as Pacifico Villaruz Adlawan, Awin Billeza Bio, Drakilou Falcon and Chris Candas Ablas bolted the facility.

READ: Another detainee bolts NBP detention

While escaping, the suspects shot one of their fellow inmates, resulting in the victim’s death, while four jails guards were wounded.

Adlawan and Bio were killed in a manhunt operation, while the two others remained at large. (SunStar Philippines)