CPPO to probe ‘foul play’ in Toledo suspect’s death

CEBU, Philippines - Alexis Velayo would have turned 34 today had he survived his ordeal in Toledo City Police Station stockade last November 8 while in police custody. 

On the day of his arrest, Velayo, who was arrested for allegedly peddling drugs, reportedly fell down the floor at a comfort room inside the police station where he was ushered in for detention.

“I was able to talk to the chief of police during the arrest. Alexis Velayo was high on drugs and they were having problem to restrain the suspect,” said Cebu Provincial Police Office Director Senior Superintendent Noel Gillamac.

“When they brought the suspect inside the jail, according to the chief of police, kalit na lang nahilo (lipong) ang suspect ug kalit lang nalamba sa comfort room,” he said, quoting Superintendent Ricky Delilis.

Gillamac said after Velayo fell down, he was immediately brought to Toledo City District Hospital for immediate medical attention but he died there while being treated.

Doctor Jatuporn Andre Vatangul said the cause of  Velayo’s death was hypotension or low blood pressure.

Doctor Rene Cam of the National Bureau of Investigation, who conducted the autopsy, noted that Velayo’s body had a hematoma in the lower left portion of the abdomen and a laceration in the spleen, suggesting that he might have been mauled or hit with a hard object.

However, Gillamac said it is possible for both sides to sustain physical injury, especially if the arrested person tries to resist.

“Siyempre if there is arrest, naa gyu’y possible mahitabo nga physical injury not only to the suspects but also to the policemen,” Gillamac said.

He reminded “too eager” police officers not to forget the human rights of others, saying they “have to balance everything.”

Gillamac also said he does not tolerate police officers who do not uphold the law and added he will order the Provincial Investigation and Detection Management Branch to conduct an investigation regarding the incident.

He said Velayo’s family is welcome to come to the provincial headquarters to file a formal complaint. Should they do so, Gillamac said they will immediately open an administrative investigation.

“Kaning kasoha, kung ang family ni Alexis Velayo moduol sa amoa, anytime welcome sila so we can conduct an investigation,” Gillamac said.

PIDMB will be made to look for a probable cause and the family asked to furnish PIDMB a copy of the autopsy report conducted by the NBI.

“Ako silang hangyuon nga ipadala ang ilang autopsy report so these police officers also can bring their own (pieces of) evidence to refute that there (was) mauling inside the jail that resulted to the death of Velayo,” Gillamac said. — (FREEMAN)