KORONADAL CITY | September 16, 2025 – Authorities are searching for Jayrald P. Plana, 38, who escaped the South Cotabato Rehabilitation and Detention Center on September 13 after his June arrest for murder.
Provincial Warden Ret. PLtCol. Barney P. Condes said an investigation is ongoing after several lapses were discovered.
The padlock of the cell was defective and left unlocked, while a blade and a piece of concrete were recovered at the scene.
According to the initial probe, Plana first forced his way out of a weakened cell door, which had been left unlocked due to a defective padlock. He then used a blade and a piece of concrete, which were recovered at the scene, to aid his escape.
After getting out of his cell, he climbed through the unfinished administration building and finally jumped over the fence to make his escape.
Condes removed Job Order personnel, reassigned some guards, and sent the duty roster to the Provincial Government.
“We cannot deny that there were lapses, and some personnel failed to perform their duties. When I assumed office, I already expected sabotage because irregularities would eventually be uncovered,” Condes said.
The Provincial Jail, in coordination with barangay officials and police units in Surallah and Lake Sebu, has intensified operations to broaden the manhunt and secure Plana’s swift recapture.
