3 killed, 15 wounded in jail attack

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Three were killed and 15 others were wounded in an explosion following a foiled attack at the Kidapawan City jail Sunday night.

Police reports said that armed men opened fire at the jail’s gate at around 10 pm Sunday, February 19, in an attempt to rescue a gang leader.

Using high-powered firearms, the armed men failed to get inside the jail, prompting them to withdraw toward the village of Nuangan.

An improvised explosive device (IED), apparently left behind by the retreating armed men, exploded when responding firemen and jail officers arrived in the jail, according to Police Director Felicisimo Khu of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation in Western Mindanao.

Khu said most of the casualties were from the response teams as well as civilian bystanders.

The 3 who were killed were identified as: Mark Anthony Morales, 23; Ian Carlo Sevilla, 22; and a certain Benny Baldediano.

Authorities said the attackers wanted to rescue Datukan Sama, also known as Kumander Lastikman, a notorious robber and kidnapper in Central Mindanao.

The Joint-Task Force Kutawato arrested him last December in Cotabato City. Police have received intelligence reports about a plot to rescue him.

North Cotabato Police Director Senior Supt. Cornelio Salinas had already recommended the transfer of Sama and 30 other “high-risk” detainees to Manila. – Rappler.com