16 inmates escape from QCPD jail

At least 16 inmates escaped from their detention cell at the Quezon City Police District Station 7 (Cubao) early Wednesday, the head of the city police said.

 

QCPD head Chief Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said that as of Wednesday noon, one of the inmates had been recaptured in Montalban in Rizal province.

 

"Out of the 53 detained sa Cubao station, may nawawala tayong 16. Isa ang recaptured," Pagdilao said in an interview on dzBB radio.

 

He said that before the escape was noticed, the inmates had been very noisy at about 2 a.m.—an apparent distraction while they sawed off the bars of the cell.

 

"Maingay sila madaling araw 2 a.m., nagkukuwentuhan," he said.

 

At the time, Pagdilao said two guards were on duty—officer and a noncommissioned officer.

 

But after the escape, he said he had to administratively relieve station commander Superintendent Wilson delos Santos while an investigation is ongoing.

 

Citing QCPD records, he said the escaped inmates face charges ranging from rape to theft and snatching.

 

"Dito nakita natin (ang security) lapses. Ito part ng investigation natin. Heads will roll sa nangyari," he said. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News