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AFP deploys units to help in ongoing pursuit ops vs escaped North Cotabato District Jail inmates

MANILA, Jan. 4 (PNA) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has deployed units to help in the recapture of an estimated 130 inmates who were set free by still unidentified armed men from North Cotabato District Jail in Kidapawan City early Wednesday morning.

This was disclosed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo who said that two squads (roughly 24 troops) are now helping police operatives in the ongoing pursuit operations against the escaped inmates.

He added more military units will be deployed if more ground forces are needed.

Earlier, an estimated 100 heavily armed men attacked the North Cotabato District Jail past 12:30 a.m., killing one jail guard and wounding another before freeing around 130 inmates

Witnesses said the attackers first unlocked Cell No. 8 where the Salik and Camayo brothers, suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members, were detained.

The gunmen also unlocked other cells. It was the third attack in the provincial jail facility since 2007. (PNA)