Sablayan:<Text>

Four prison officers have been relieved from their duties following the escape of a person deprived of liberty (PDL) from the Sablayan Prison and Penal Farm in Occidental Mindoro.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) identified the PDL as Tyrone Dela Cruz, who was sentenced to reclusion perpetua by a Laguna court in 2017 for kidnapping with ransom. The BuCor has reassigned the four prison officers while an investigation into the escape is ongoing.

The officers relieved from duty include CO3 Jon Jon Edic, shift commander; CO1 Nelbert Moro, keeper/direct custodian; CO1 Lexter Gonzales, Post Tower 1 sentinel; and CO1 Lionel Darrold Orandain, Post Tower 2 sentinel. The escape was discovered at 5:47 p.m. during a routine headcount when Dela Cruz was found missing.

Reports indicate that Dela Cruz took advantage of a moment while walking towards the basketball court area to flee between Post Tower 1 and Post Tower 2. Despite the duty personnel's prompt response, including firing warning shots, Dela Cruz managed to evade capture and escaped into a nearby forested area.

Currently, all available personnel from the Super Maximum Prison Facility are actively conducting a manhunt. Immediate coordination has been established with relevant law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine Army, to apprehend Dela Cruz.