PDEA detainee found dead
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-7 has confirmed that a detainee inside their facility was found dead last March 22, 2025.
In a statement released by the agency, it disclosed that the detainee, identified as alias Juan, was arrested during a buy-bust operation in Barangay Mantalongon, Dalaguete, Cebu, on March 19, 2025, by personnel of the PDEA Cebu Provincial Office. Alias Juan had previously been arrested by the PNP in December 2020.
According to PDEA-7, the detainee was temporarily held at their detention facility in Lahug, Cebu City, and reportedly took his own life inside the comfort room past 2 in the morning.
The agency stated that prison guards were alerted by another inmate who discovered the body inside the comfort room.
The guards immediately administered first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to revive the detainee and called for medical assistance.
The response was captured on video through the facility’s CCTV system.
“Naay CCTV sa jail but dili apil makita ang sulod sa CR,” said PDEA-7 information officer Leia Alcantara.
PDEA-7 duty officers reported the incident to the Cebu City Police Office Station 4.
Personnel from the Philippine National Police-Regional Forensic Unit 7 confirmed the death and processed the body, where a “farewell note” was recovered by the forensic team.
PDEA-7 officials said they have already met with alias Juan’s family and assured them that the office will fully cooperate with the PNP’s ongoing investigation.
The cadaver was brought to a funeral home in Mandaue City and will undergo an autopsy. (CEBU NEWS)
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