THE Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Western Visayas is currently validating reports if the two remaining escapees of the Negros Occidental District Jail (NODJ) have already left the province.
BJMP-Western Visayas spokesperson Jairus Anthony Dogelio said there is a possibility that escaped inmates Alejandro Montoya and crime group leader Francisco Epogon may have already departed the province and are now hiding elsewhere.
Although they are still validating the report, there is also other information coming in that the two escapees are still in the province and are currently being hidden either by relatives or friends.
Monitoring and manhunt operations against the two escapees are still ongoing and the BJMP's tracking teams have been placed on standby.
Dogelio also pointed out they need to be careful in pursuing the Montoya and Epogon, pointing they must not launch an immediate operation without planning first.
Sympathizers of the two may also serve as lookouts wherein they would warn the escapees if they spot the authorities coming.
Both Montoya and Epogon bolted out of the NODJ last week in Barangay Tabunan in Bago City, alongside Marvin and Danilo Celeste, and Daniel Tamon.
The Celeste brothers were ultimately killed days after the escape while Tamon was recaptured by police.
A bounty of P15,000 for each of the remaining two escapees was placed as reward money for anyone who can give information which will lead to the recapture of the two remaining escapees.