27 recaptured from Philippine jailbreak

MANILA, Philippines, April 12 (UPI) -- Twenty-seven escapees have been recaptured from a jailbreak from a Philippines prison in which eight inmates were killed by police.

Philippine President Arroyo said Monday she favored cordoning off the island province of Basilan to ensure none of the escaped Abu Sayyaf terrorists would flee, the Manila Times reported.

"If the massive manhunt requires cordoning off the whole Basilan province to prevent the escapees from fleeing to other provinces, so be it," Arroyo said.

The escapees are part of the 53 detainees who staged a break out of the Basilan Provincial Jail, Saturday.

Arroyo said the Abu Sayyaf escapees might launch attacks against witnesses who are to testify against them in court.