By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – Four prison officers have been relieved from their duties following the escape of a person deprived of liberty (PDL) from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro on Tuesday.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) identified the PDL as Tyrone Dela Cruz, who was sentenced to reclusion perpetua by a Laguna court in 2017 for kidnapping with ransom.
The BuCor reassigned the four prison officers, pending an investigation into the escape.
They are CO3 Jon Jon Edic, shift commander; CO1 Nelbert Moro, keeper/direct custodian; CO1 Lexter Gonzales, Post Tower 1 sentinel; and CO1 Lionel Darrold Orandain, Post Tower 2 sentinel.
The escape was discovered at 5:47 p.m. when Dela Cruz was unaccounted for during a routine headcount.
Reports indicate that after walking towards the basketball court area, he took the opportunity to flee between Post Tower 1 and Post Tower 2.
Despite the duty personnel’s prompt response and efforts, which included firing warning shots, Dela Cruz managed to evade and made his way toward a nearby forested area.
All available personnel from the Super Maximum Prison Facility are conducting an active manhunt, and immediate coordination has been established with relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Army. (PNA)
