37 escape from youth custodial facility in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-seven youth offenders bolted the Manila Youth Recreational Center custodial facility in Arroceros, Manila before dawn yesterday.

They escaped by sawing off the gate of their dormitory, authorities said.

Reports said the escapees scaled the wall at the back of the custodial facility leading to the Pasig River at around 3 a.m.

Members of the city hall security force recaptured two of the escapees in Barangays 228 and 221 in Tondo.

Police said the children in conflict with the law were involved in murder, homicide, drugs, illegal possession of firearms, gambling, snatching and other crimes.