by: Vanessa Bugtong

Police authorities are searching for two male detainees who escaped from the Tabuk City Police Station detention facility on January 4.

The escapees were identified as Andres Benito Jr., 35, and Michael Magne, 39, who were arrested on December 17, 2025, during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Magsaysay, Tabuk City.

Authorities said the suspects were found in possession of around eight grams of suspected shabu worth more than 54,000 pesos.

According to the Philippine National Police, the two men managed to escape by using a bolt cutter to break out of their cell.

Both are farmers and residents of Barangay Bulanao.

Police have appealed to the public to immediately report any information regarding the whereabouts of the two fugitives.

The news team attempted to get statements from the Tabuk City Police Station and the Kalinga Police Provincial Office, but both offices declined to issue a comment as of this writing.