By Alexander Lopez / Philippine News Agency
BUTUAN CITY – Four inmates were killed while one was wounded in a foiled jailbreak at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in Lianga, Surigao del Sur on Sunday (Sept. 26) morning.
Col. James Goforth, Director of the Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office (SDSPPO), told the Philippine News Agency that at least 11 inmates of Lianga BJMP, located in Purok 1, Barangay Poblacion, rushed to the second perimeter gate at around 6:35 a.m.
He said they were members of the communist New People’s Army.
“BJMP personnel on duty were prompted to fire warning shots,” Goforth said in an interview.
The inmates ignored the warning shots and pushed themselves towards the main gate of the BJMP compound.
“As the inmates disregarded the warning shots, the BJMP personnel were forced to fire at the fleeing inmates,” Godorth said.
Three of the escaping inmates were killed on the spot while one of two who were brought to the Lianga District Hospital was declared dead on arrival.
Goforth identified those killed as Saudi Tejero; Daniel Atigan, 37; Crisanto Eladia, 47; and April Jun Rasol, all of Lianga town.
Another inmate, Joebert Ramos, is still recuperating in a hospital.
The BJMP, Lianga Municipal Police Station, and Surigao del Sur Provincial Crime Laboratory are conducting a follow-up investigation. (PNA)
