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| Southeast Asia |
| 11 inmates escape in Philippines jailbreak |
| 2012-07-11 |
| Five months after a bloody attempt to spring him out of jail, Datukan Samad – alias Lastikman – and 10 other inmates escaped the provincial jail in Cotabato City by sawing off the iron grills of the prison toilet before dawn yesterday. Aside from Samad, authorities identified the other escapees as Anwar Maguid, Dahad Daginan, Abel Unsing, Kegkim Omar, Bong Usop, Siki Pilas, Ogie Kimbaw, Ampoy Kimbaw, Saipuna Baulo and Basco Puas. Investigators are now checking how Samad’s group brought in a hacksaw and why guards of the provincial jail didn't detect the weapon during inspection. Last Feb. 19, around fifty heavily armed men assaulted the Kidapawan district jail in a bid to rescue Samad. The foiled attempt resulted in the death of three civilians including a Red Cross volunteer, and 16 others were wounded including fire and jail personnel. Marine troops deployed for anti-kidnapping duties in Cotabato City were dispatched to help track down Samad and the other escapees. Col. Prudencio Asto, spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division, said Samad was the head of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s (MILF) Special Operations Group (SOG). The MILF leadership has disowned him and denied military reports that he and his men are under direct control of the MILF’s 108th Base Command. |
| Posted by:ryuge |