Two escape from Cirebon prison

CIREBON, West Java: Two prisoners convicted in a drug case escaped Cirebon Penitentiary in Gintung village, Ciwaringin subdistrict, on Thursday evening, guards and police said on Friday.

"The two escaped during heavy rain. We have dispatched a team to search for them. We are also investigating prison officials for negligence leading to their escape," Cirebon Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Muktiono said.

The escapees -- Syarifuddin, 31, who was jailed for five years and six months, and Rioski alias Rios, 34, for seven years -- are thought to have escaped by scaling the prison fence. There were wearing prison uniforms. -- JP