Filipino detainee joins jailbreak during Indonesia quake

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino drug convict serving a prison term in Indonesia was reported to be among the hundreds of prisoners who escaped from several jails during the 7.5 magnitude earthquake and tsunami that hit Central Sulawesi on Friday, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

The DFA is still verifying the condition of the Filipino detainee.

The still unidentified detainee was the lone Filipino affected by the earthquake and was earlier reported to be safe.

The Philippine Consulate General in Manado said the Filipino detainee was later reported “to have joined the mass jailbreak after the prison was damaged by the earthquake.”   

The Filipino is serving a prison term at the Lapas Penitentiary until 2021 after he was convicted for possession of methamphetamine following his arrest in 2011. 

More than 1,400 prisoners escaped from local jails in the area and are now reported missing.

Consul General Oscar Orcine said the consulate is coordinating with local authorities to find the Filipino prisoner.

The DFA said the Philippines is ready to respond and extend any assistance to Indonesia after the earthquake and tsunami.

The earthquake and tsunami struck the provincial capital of Palu and neighboring city of Donggala. The earthquake triggered a tsunami that generated waves up to three meters high.