KOTA KINABALU: Police are searching for seven of 14 Filipino detainees who escaped through a toilet roof at the Papar Immigration Depot early Wednesday (Nov 10).

       Seven of them were recaptured by 10.30am after they broke out of the detention depot at about 3.30am.

       Papar district police chief Deputy Supt Batholomew Umpit said the detainees were aged from 22 to 43 years.

       He said operations were ongoing to track down the remaining seven with assistance from the Immigration Department, police air wing, K-9 canine unit, as well the General Operations Force personnel.

       Based on preliminary investigations, all the detainees placed in the middle block escaped by climbing two metres to the ceiling of the toilet and then forcing their way through to the roof using sharp tools.

       "They then cut the fence of the detention centre to escape," he told a press conference at Papar district police headquarters here.

       According to Supt Batholomew, seven of the 14 detainees were recaptured in a mangrove swamp, a corn plantation and a petrol station about 2km from the depot.

       “The detainees who escaped were awaiting the deportation process," he said, adding that some of their families were from Papar, while others were from areas in Tawau.

       "We believe they will try to return to their family homes," he said.

       However, he added that the suspects may have been unable to leave the Papar area owing to the tight cordon by the authorities.

       The case is being investigated under Section 223/224 of the Penal Code which provides for imprisonment for up to two years and a fine or both, he added.

       He said any member of the public with information about the detainee should contact the Papar IPD operations room at 088-916064, or the nearest police station for immediate action.