Philippines jolted by biggest prison break

158 inmates flee as suspected Muslim rebels storm facility

Prison officials inspect the fence of the jail from where the inmates escaped, in Kidapawan. Pic/AFP

Kidapawan (Philippines): More than 150 inmates of a southern Philippine jail escaped when suspected Muslim rebels stormed the dilapidated facility in a pre-dawn raid yesterday, killing one guard, authorities said.

It was the biggest prison escape in the past decade at North Cotabato District Jail.

A two-hour-long fight broke out when over 100 armed men attacked the jail in Kidapawan city around 1 am (10.30 pm). At least 158 prisoners escaped. It was unclear how many of those were linked to the attackers.

The attackers are believed to be a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Six persons were killed in the manhunt launched thereafter.

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