CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — At least six detainees escaped from the detention facility of Police Station 6 in Barangay Puerto after cutting through jail bars using a hacksaw past midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026, triggering a massive manhunt across the city and nearby areas.
According to Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (COCPO) Director Col. Dexter Paje, the inmates managed to weaken and cut the jail bars with the help of a female accomplice who allegedly smuggled in a hacksaw and a saltwater mixture to corrode the metal. The group then executed the breakout late Sunday night, January 11, while on-duty personnel failed to notice the escape.
Of the six escapees, five were facing drug-related charges while one was charged with attempted rape, police said.
One Recaptured, Five Still at Large
Hours after the escape, police were able to recapture one inmate, who later revealed that the jailbreak had been planned in advance.
“(Ingon to’ng usa ka PDL) nga didto daw mi sa Balubal magkita kung dili daw ko mutunga didto dunggabon daw ko niya,” the recaptured detainee said, adding that he had no intention of fleeing but felt pressured by threats from his co-escapees.
“Pero wala gyud ko’y balak nga mudagan ato… lisod kayo kay gamay ra atong rehab ra ta unom ra ka bulan ato rang daganan,” he added.
Col. Paje said the group was initially believed to be heading toward Balubal, though police also tracked other possible routes.
Station Chief Relieved, Investigation Launched
In the wake of the incident, Puerto Police Station chief Major Amanollah Bantuas was relieved from his post, as investigations began to determine possible negligence of duty by on-duty personnel.
“We are now conducting a thorough investigation to determine why the escape was not prevented,” Paje said, noting that administrative charges may be filed against personnel found liable.
He also ordered stricter security measures in all police detention facilities in the city.
“So we will adjust ang mga selda, atong i-fortify, magbutang na gyud ta og personnel nga mag-man sa jail… tan-awon nato kung weak ang lock ug atong i-improve,” Paje said.
Citywide Manhunt Leads to Full Recapture
By Tuesday, January 13, police announced that all six escapees had been successfully recaptured through a series of coordinated operations.
One of the fugitives, John Mark Diatas, was tracked as far as Bukidnon before being arrested and returned to Police Station 6.
Meanwhile, Roderick Fuentes and Carl Vincent Gonzaga were apprehended in Upper Puerto after hiding in thick bushes and bamboo groves. The two later admitted they survived by eating raw papaya due to hunger while evading authorities.
Another escapee, Joshua Decatoria, was captured in Barangay Agusan, while Mark Anthony Gonzaga and Jay Emanuel Salcedo were arrested in Barangay Camaman-an.
Police said the suspects had been hiding in remote and grassy areas to avoid detection, but were eventually cornered through an intensified manhunt involving combined police units.
All Escapees Back Behind Bars
Authorities confirmed that all six detainees are now back in custody and secured at the Puerto Police Station detention facility.
COCPO reiterated its commitment to tightening jail security and ensuring accountability.
“This incident is a serious breach. We will make sure those responsible are held accountable and that this will not happen again,” Paje said.
The case has raised renewed concerns over jail security, personnel discipline, and external assistance in prison breaks, as police continue to investigate the possible involvement of the alleged female accomplice.