Sueno earns support of MILF in pursuit of remaining fugitives in North Cotabato jailbreak

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 6): Sueno earns support of MILF in pursuit of remaining fugitives in North Cotabato jailbreak

Secretary Ismael D. Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has secured the support of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the on-going manhunt operation of the remaining fugitives of the North Cotabato District Jail in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.

Around one o’clock in the morning of January 4, about 158 inmates escaped when some 100 armed men attacked the said facility. One jail officer and one inmate died during the firefight which lasted for two hours.

Sueno said he has spoken to Gen. Sammy Almanzor, Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), who pledged support to the government troops in pursuit of the escapes.

“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,” Sec. Sueno said.

Earlier unconfirmed reports say that a Commander Derbi of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) led the attack but Sueno said the local MILF denied having a member by that name.

The DILG Secretary has also sought the support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to work closely with the police and jail guards as they run after the fugitives.

Earlier today, Sec. Sueno has directed the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) to work closely with the PNP and intensify the manhunt operations of the remaining fugitives at large.

Two out of the 158 fugitives have surrendered to a local official while four were caught by responding policemen and jail guards during round-up operations. Also, six escaped inmates were gunned down and succumbed to their wounds but the rest remain at large.

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

North Cotabato City Jail has a population of 1,511 inmates many of which still remains inside the facility despite the armed attack.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141483618945/sueno-earns-support-of-milf-in-pursuit-of-remaining-fugitives-in-north-cotabato-jailbreak