Philippines: Islamists escape jail

Four suspected Abu Sayyaf Islamist militants escaped from jail in the southern Philippines, a regional navy commander said.

Manila - Four suspected Abu Sayyaf Islamist militants escaped from jail in the southern Philippines on Monday, a regional navy commander said.

The four suspects escaped before dawn from the detention centre of Isabela City in Basilan province, about 900 kilometres south of Manila, by cutting off the iron grill of their ventilation window with a hacksaw, Navy Commander Roy Vincent Trinidad said.

Two of the suspects are being tried for murder and attempted murder, one was facing drug charge and the other one is being tried for car theft, Trinidad added.

Trinidad said security forces have launched a search for the escapees.

The Abu Sayyaf is the smallest but most violent Muslim rebel group in the Philippines. It is responsible for deadly terrorist attacks in the country and for high profile kidnapping for ransom cases. Its members are also involved in various criminal activities.

DPA