PRO-7 chief orders probe on death of man for rehab

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 chief, C/Supt. Danilo Constantino, has asked the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 7 to conduct a deeper investigation on the death of Jerome Bendebel who died while being taken to a drug rehabilitation center in Cebu City from Balamban on New Year’s Eve.

Constantino said in a press conference that he already talked to the officer-in-charge of the rehabilitation center who gave him a name of the alleged police officer involved.

The officer told Constantino that it was Bendebel’s sister who requested the rehabilitation center to take the victim in but was referred to a person who can help them.

He did not name the OIC but Constantino said he was the same person who went to talk to the Balamban Police Station chief to ask for police assistance but Insp. Richard Oliver reportedly denied his request for failing to properly identify himself.

Three persons according to Constantino went to fetch Bendebel and brought him inside a Pajero but the latter fought against the three.

Constantino said that if they can get the plate number of the vehicle then it would be easier for them to identify the three including the policeman.

“Kausap ko yung OIC ng rehab center, three men ang kumuha, yung sinakay sa Pajero sinira, binasag yung salamin. Kung makukuha natin yung plate number malalaman na natin,” Constantino said.

He said that Bendebel was not admitted by the staff of the rehabilitation center since he was unconscious when he was brought there.

The victim was later brought to Perpetual Soccour Hospital in Cebu City where he was declared dead by the attending physician at past 3:00 a.m. on January 1.

“Umabot ng rehab center, di tinanggap kasi unconscious, dinala sa Perpetual accordingly di sumama ang family,” Constantino added.

With this development, Constantino wants a thorough investigation on the incident to know what really happened.

If proven that the alleged policeman involved is indeed a member of the PRO-7, Constantino assured of an impartial investigation. (FREEMAN)