7 PDEA prisoners on the loose in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities mounted a manhunt for seven prisoners following their daring escape from the regional office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here.

PDEA Regional Director Maharani Tosoc on Tuesday said he has relieved 12 agents, including City Officer Agent Marvin Santos while investigation is going on. The escapees destroyed their ceiling and escaped at dawn Monday.

Police release photos of PDEA prisoners who bolted jail in Zamboanga City. 

Col. Kinberly Molitas, the local police chief, has urged the public for any information on the prisoners. “We urge the cooperation of the public, if anyone has any information on their whereabouts. It will not only helps prevent further escalation of the situation, but also would ensure the safety of both the escapees and the community,” she said.

She identified the prisoners as Albadir Ajijul y Mala, Kerwin Abdila y Mohammad, Wilson Sahiban y Indanan, Junjimar Aiyob y Hajili, Jimmy Sahibol y Angeles, Amil Khan Abubasar y Mahadali, and Muhajiran Jumlah y Romeo.

Sahiban, Aiyob and Sahibol were among four suspected drug dealers captured early this month during a sting operation here. The fourth Abruhahman Andulhakim was not in the list of those who bolted jail.

Brig. Gen. Bowenn Joey Masauding, the regional police chief, said the four men yielded over P145 million of crystal meth during the May 2 joint undercover operation with members of the PDEA in the village of Mampang.

 

The operation was also participated by the Criminal Investigation Group, the Zamboanga City Police Station 6, the Intelligence Unit of the local police, and the 1st Zamboanga City Mobile Force Company.

 

Masauding, hailed the capture of the suspected drug dealers - the biggest drug bust so far - but their identities were not made public and the source of the drugs was also not divulged, saying the investigation is still going on.

 

“I commend the PDEA9, CIDG9, ZCPS6, CIU-ZCPO, and 1st ZCMFC for the successful operation on Zamboanga City’s biggest drug buy-bust operation. Their courage and exemplary service is a testament of all the hard work, dedication, and commitment in keeping our communities safe. Our efforts in combating the proliferation of illegal drugs are making another significant difference in the whole region,” said Masauding.

 

Zamboanga City remains the transshipment point of crystal meth in the South. (Al Jacinto)