Probe into inmate's death deemed closed

CEBU, Philippines - As the official cause of death of Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center inmate Ricky Salidaga was found to be asphyxiation, the Capitol said the investigation into any foul play is considered closed.

Capitol consultant Jose Ma. Gastardo said that unless other facts say otherwise, the investigation is deemed closed.

Asphyxia is defined as the condition in which an extreme decrease in the amount of oxygen in the body accompanied by an increase of carbon dioxide leads to loss of consciousness or death.

It was medico-legal officer Joe Martin Fuentes who conducted the autopsy on Salidaga and found a contusion in the anterior part of the neck measuring 20 by four centimeters along the anterior midline.

Gastardo said that the findings supported the investigation report conducted by CPDRC acting warden Algier Comendador.

The Capitol will extend financial assistance to the family of Salidaga and tasked Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Marivic Garces to coordinate with the CPDRC to contact the family.

Gastardo added that they have to check if it is necessary for them to add closed-circuit television cameras in the isolation cell to prevent the recurrence of the incident.

Salidaga, of Martires, Cebu City, was found hanging from a blanket tied to the bars of his cell last week. Comendador said Salidaga was put in isolation after shouting at visitors.

It was prison guard George Libradilla who found him dead when he was about to serve dinner to Salidaga.

Salidaga was detained December last year for committing robbery.

Comendador found out that Salidaga’s father is currently jailed in the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City while his brother is also detained in the Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center, both also for the same offense.

Meanwhile, four policemen from the Fuente Police Station have submitted their official report on the death of a detainee in their holding cell last Friday.

Investigation and Detective Management Branch headed by Chief Insp. Bonifacio Garciano said PO2s Eduardo Acop and Allan Vallejo and PO1 Rey Pabroa, who were all relieved, have submitted their report regarding the death of Joven Tejano.

Inspector Kenneth Andaya, who was the supervisor during the discovery of Tejano’s body, has also submitted his report.

Garciano has also asked former Fuente police chief Senior Insp. Michael Bastes to submit an investigation report on the incident.

Based on their initial investigation and of the concerned policemen, their evidence pointed to four anti-crime volunteers, or police trackers, of the Fuente Police Station, as the ones who mauled Tejano.

However, Garciano clarified they are not yet done with their investigation as they have yet to compare their findings with Homicide Section investigators.

He also said based on their investigation the concerned personnel failed to properly follow protocol in receiving the detainee. The desk officer should have checked Tejano’s physical disposition before he was placed inside the cell.

Tejano was found dead inside the Fuente Police Station after he was apprehended by police trackers after being positively identified as the perpetrators of a burglary that happened earlier this month near the Abellana National School.   - (THE FREEMAN)