DILG chief says MILF ready to run after fugitives from Cotabato jail

From GMA News (Jan 4): DILG chief says MILF ready to run after fugitives from Cotabato jail

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed support on the government's efforts to go after the remaining inmates who bolted the North Cotabato District Jail in Kidapawan City, Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said Wednesday.

Sueno said he has spoken to Gen. Sammy Almanzor, chief of staff of the MILF's Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, who pledged support to the government troops in pursuit of the fugitives.

“Gen Almanzor has expressed willingness to run after the escaped inmates and they will coordinate with  government troops if the escapees hide or take refuge in their areas of control,” Sueno said in a press statement.

He said the MILF also denied reports that a certain Commander Derbi led the attack on the jail facility that resulted in the jailbreak. He said the local MILF denied having a member who goes by that name.

Earlier in the day, Sueno sought the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to work closely with the police and jail guards who were running after the fugitives.

He also directed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to work closely with the Philippine National Police and intensify the manhunt operations of the remaining fugitives.

BJMP Director Serafin Baretto flew to Region XII to check the jail facility and ensure that there will be no repeat of the incident.

A total of 158 inmates escaped NCDJ when more than a hundred armed men attacked the jail facility around 1 a.m., Wednesday. Jail Officer 1 Excell Ray Vecido was killed in the attack.

As of posting time, six escaped inmates have been killed, two have surrendered, and six have been recaptured.

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