Philippine jail on alert over plot to break out inmates

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines

Davao City Jail was placed on high alert Wednesday following intelligence reports of a plot to break out high-value inmates.

The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Davao chief said security around the facility was heightened to prevent an attack to free five Maute group members, suspects in the Davao City night market bombing last September that killed 15 people and injured 69 others, according to a report by local radio station RGMA.

Davao Jail has more than 3,300 prisoners, including Abu Sayyaf militants, communist rebels and political advocates, the report said.

The Davao City Peace and Order Council wants to transfer its terrorism cases and the custody of the accused Maute members to Taguig City in the capital, Manila, to protect the interest and safety of the city.

Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa on Wednesday said the remaining Maute fighters rallied its allies to stage attacks in other parts of Mindanao to divert the government's attention from Marawi, where the group been in a fierce battle with government forces since May 23.

The firefight in Marawi prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the island of Mindanao under a 60-day martial law that was extended by lawmakers until Dec. 31.