Four inmates escape from Zamboanga del Norte jail

August 20, 2020

Four inmates from Roxas Municipal Police Station in Zamboanga del Norte bolted from their detention facility early Thursday morning.

Police Brig. General Jesus Cambay Jr,  the regional director,   said the inmates bolted around 1:30 am.

He said escapees were Welly Celino Catoy and Robert Quinto, 46 both  accused of illegal possession of firearms and ammunition; Wilfredo  Espelita, charged for Illegal drugs; and Roger Feras, charged for attempted homicide.

Initial investigation disclosed the four detainees managed to escape by cutting the iron bars of the detention cell using guitar string. This went unnoticed due to heavy rainfall.

"I already directed the chief of police to conduct manhunt operations to recapture the escapees and enjoined all police units within Zamboanga del Norte and possible route of escape to ensure that escapees cannot pass through the immediate proximity,” Cambay said.

He urged the families and relatives of the escapees to report and surrender them to the nearest police station. He added they are not yet guilty but merely held for investigation and trial.

Cambay said photos of the four escapes are posted in social media so that persons who see them must inform the Roxas municipal police station or to the regional headquarters. Ella Dionisio/DMS