KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato (September 13, 2025) — An inmate facing a murder charge escaped from the South Cotabato Provincial Jail on Saturday, prompting swift disciplinary action from provincial authorities.
The fugitive was identified as Jayrald Plana, 38, a resident of Barangay El Nonok, Banga, South Cotabato. Authorities confirmed that Plana managed to slip past security while under the custody of jail guards.
Governor Reynaldo Tamayo Jr. immediately ordered the dismissal of the jail guards who were on duty at the time of the escape, citing negligence as a serious breach of responsibility.
“We cannot allow lapses in jail security, especially when it concerns high-profile cases like murder. Accountability must be upheld,” Tamayo stressed in a statement.
Law enforcement units have launched a province-wide manhunt to recapture Plana, while an internal investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances that enabled his escape.
The provincial government assured the public that measures are being reinforced to prevent similar incidents in the future.