TWO prisoners who escaped from the Kerevat jail in East New Britain in PNG about a week ago surrendered to a Catholic priest last Thursday.
The two were among 10 high-risk prisoners who escaped on Sept 28.
Acting provincial police commander John Duadak said the duo – James Sirip, 20, from Malaguna 1 and serving 24 years for rape, and Martin Gaulim, 20, from Iawakaka ward and serving 11 years for armed robbery – were hiding in bushes since the breakout and decided to surrender to the priest at Kerevat.
Duadak said the priest counselled the two before turning them in.
The two pleaded with the priest to consult the jail commander at Kerevat before turning them in as they were afraid of being bashed up by the officers.
Police had captured one of them – Tommy Koi, 23, from Malaguna 1 and who was serving 23 years for rape – soon after the escape.
Duadak said seven prisoners were still at large.
He said special operations were conducted by police and Correctional Service officers to act on any leads of the whereabouts of the escapees.
Details of the escapees have been sent to their respective wards and communities for people to be aware and possibly assist to recapture them.
Police visited the immediate families and relatives of the escapees to appeal for assistance.
Duadak said families had assured police they would assist.
Police said the people’s lives were in danger because the escapees were dangerous.
It is understood the prisoners had used a bolt cutter to cut open fences around the jail to escape.