GOVERNMENT authorities have recaptured another three escapees as manhunt operation continues against them in the province of Basilan, officials said Tuesday.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Panapan, Lamitan City police chief, said the three were recaptured one after the other Monday in Lamitan City and in nearby towns of Basilan.
Panapan identified the three as Taha Morales, Alpa Julasbi and Norman Bisal, who were among the eight inmates who escaped from Lamitan City Jail around 8:30 a.m., Sunday, at Sitio Lagasan in the village of Kulaybato in that city.
Of the eight, four are still at large since one of them, Moumar Ima, was recaptured hours after they escaped Sunday in the town of Akbar.
Panapan identified the four who are still at large are Roderick Agang, Jemar Usman, Muamar Gandali and Arman Acalul.
He said that all except Acalul are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Acalul is charged for murder.
Assistant Secretary for Peace and Security Alexander Macario of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday there were security lapses at the Lamitan City Jail.
Macario said he will recommend for the deployment of more Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) personnel to the detention facility in Lamitan City.
Macario, who visited Lamitan City Jail Tuesday, said there will be changes to strengthen the security at the facility of the BJMP.
Macario is conducting probe over the incident. (SunStar Philippines)