A manhunt is currently ongoing after ten detainees under police custody escaped from the Malibay Detention Facility in Pasay City in the early morning of Monday, the Southern Police District (SPD) said.

In an initial investigation, SPD said three of the prisoners managed to break the iron bar of the main facility. They then mauled the duty jailer and took his service firearm, cash money, and various jail keys at around 4:30 AM.

The fugitives are currently facing various charges including violation of Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, robbery, and carnapping.

The SPD identified the fugitives as:

1. Richard Dela Cruz
2. Carlo Magno Benavidez y Legaspi
3. Christian Salvatierra y Samson
4. Norman Deyta y Punzalan
5. Joey Hernandez y Gabriel
6. Eden Garcia y Rodriguez
7. Tirzo Galit y Navarro (Robbery)
8. Joseph Osorio y Canama (Violation of RA 9165)
9. John Michael Cabe y Medellin (Carnapping)
10. Joshua Panganiban (Robbery)

The SPD said different units from Pasay City Police Station are now conducting a manhunt operation for the 10 inmates.

SPD chief Police Brigadier General Kirby Kraft encouraged the public to coordinate with the nearest police station if they have information on the PUPcs.

Chief sacked

Following the incident, Police Major Jerry Sunga, chief of Malibay Police Station in Pasay City, has been sacked from his post.

"Sinabi ko naman na kung kinakailangan ng additional na tao na manggagaling sa HQ willing naman kami na bigyan siya. Despite doon hindi siya umaksyon," said PCol. Foilan Uy, Pasay Chief of Police, in an interview with reporters.