NBI vs PNP findings: Death from mauling, not tuberculosis

CEBU, Philippines - It’s a case of conflicting autopsy results from two government agencies.

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-7 yesterday conducted a

re-autopsy on the body of a 23-year old man who was allegedly mauled by the security guards of a mall in downtown, Cebu City after he was accused of shoplifting.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) medico-legal had already ruled he died of a natural disease but the family doubts its findings so they sought the help of the NBI.

The re-autopsy was conducted at the Saint Francis located at N. Bacalso Avenue, Cebu City at 2:00 p.m. by NBI medico-legal officer Dr. Rene Cam and former NBI medico-legal officer Dr. Gil Macato.

The agent on case, lawyer Bernard dela Cruz, told the media that the re-autopsy was conducted upon the request of the family of the victim, Mario Alfie Ducayag, a resident of Tuyan, Naga City, Cebu. He said the request was on April 16, 2013.

The PNP medico-legal had rules the death was caused by “asphyxia due to bleeding pulmonary tuberculosis.”

However, the finding of Cam and Macato was contradicted this. The two doctors said the cause of death of the victim was due to traumatic nape injury.

“Cervical vertebra (C2) and cervical vertebra (C3) of the spine were

dislocated due to hyper extension,” they said.

The two added that there was a pulmonary contusion or lung contusion

particularly the left one. As evidence, they said a contusion or bruise was seen in the victim’s left side of the chest. There were also bruises in his palms, right shoulder and back.

Fe, the mother of the victim, told the media that after the re-autopsy she felt relieved and happy. She said she was thankful of the NBI as they cleared the issue relative to the cause of death.

“We asked the assistance of the NBI to know the truth behind the death of my son. I know my son…he is healthy and he has no tuberculosis,” she said.

Dela Cruz said they are now building the case. He said he started conducting the investigation. Preliminary information, he said the victim was accused of shoplifting a pair of “Sandugo” sandals.

He said the victim was taken to the investigation room and after 32 minutes to one hour, the victim already had seizures, prompting the mall to call the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF). The victim was taken to the hospital but died.

Based on his inquiry with the mall staff, dela Cruz said the victim went back after his receipt got lost. The Sandugo sandal was placed in a plastic bag of store’s grocery bag. He even explained to the cashier and the latter found out that the item was indeed listed as purchased.

However, he was apprehended and brought to the investigation room.

Dela Cruz said there were six persons subject for investigation -  the company nurse who went to the investigation room and security guards Margie Gazer, a certain Lerio, Boyles Melvin, CCTV officer Jeffrey Aquino

and chief of security Mauricio Dublados. They were suspended.

The investigator said he was able to talk with the store’s vice president who said they are willing to cooperate. He said he will ask for all records including the CCTV recording. — (FREEMAN)