Bataan: Police have launched a manhunt for two inmates who escaped by jumping out of a patrol vehicle while being transported back to the precinct in Mariveles, Bataan.

According to Philippines News Agency, a police report revealed that two officers have been relieved from their posts, disarmed, and will face administrative charges in connection with the incident. The officers, holding the ranks of chief master sergeant and senior master sergeant, were both assigned to the Mariveles Municipal Police Station (MPS).

The escape was discovered during a routine inspection on Tuesday morning, as per the report. The inmates, identified as Jun Jun Jimenez and Jaypee Loquisan, managed to jump out of the police vehicle while being returned to the station after undergoing inquest proceedings.

The officers admitted to attempting to pursue and locate the fugitives but were unsuccessful. The Philippine National Police is also studying whether the chief of the Mariveles MPS may be held liable under the principle of command responsibility.