3 more inmates recaptured

ZAMBOANGA CITY -Three more inmates who bolted from jail were recaptured as manhunt operation continues against the escapees in Basilan province, officials said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Christopher Panapan, Lamitan City police chief, said the three were recaptured Monday

one after the other in the city and in nearby towns of the province.

Panapan identified them as Taha Morales, Alpa Julasbi and Norman Bisal.

They were among the eight inmates who escaped from the detention facility of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) around 8:30 a.m. Sunday in Sitio Lagasan, Barangay Kulaybato, Lamitan City.

Of the eight, four are still at large as one of them, Moumar Ima, was recaptured hours after they escaped Sunday in the town of Akbar. The four who remain at large are Roderick Agang, Jemar Usman, Muamar Gandali and Arman Acalul.

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 with murder.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary for Peace and Security Alexander Macario of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday they found security lapses at the Lamitan City Jail.

Macario, who visited the jail, said he will recommend for the deployment of more BJMP personnel to the detention facility in Lamitan City and that changes will be made to tighten the security at the facility.

Macario said penalties will be slapped against the BJMP personnel depending on the gravity of the lapses committed.