2 inmates mauled to death in Manila jail, Tondo police station

Two inmates separately detained at the Manila City Jail (MCJ) and at the Abad Santos, Tondo police station of the Western Police District died after allegedly being mauled inside their cells last Wednesday night.

Reports reaching the homicide section of the WPD identified the victims as Rodolfo Diaz, 45, and Angeles Marasigan, 41.

According to reports, Diaz, who was detained at the Manila City Jail for snatching, died at the male medical ward of the Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center along Rizal Avenue, due to uncontrolled hypertension and multiple hematoma.

Diaz was rushed to the JRMMC after he complained of body pains, police reports said. He was released following a certification issued by a certain Dr. Duenas, but was again taken to the hospital at about 1:30 a.m. last Wednesday. He was pronounced dead by Dr. Carol Abarrio, at 9:13 a.m.

Police said the victim could have been beaten-up by his fellow cellmates. His body is now at the Sanctuary Funeral Homes for autopsy.

Meanwhile, Marasigan, of 3145 Pilar St., Tondo, Manila, was found dead at about 6:35 p.m. last Wednesday inside the detention cell of the WPD Police Station 7 on Abad Santos St.

Initial investigation showed that Marasigan was allegedly mauled by cellmates Armando Simeon, 32, a theft suspect, Manuel Yabut, 29, and Ernesto Dacanay, 45, both detained for drug possession; and Ramirez Regala, 18, and Angel Tiamzon, 21, both suspected robbers.

Marasigan, a tricycle driver, was arrested last Nov. 21 for allegedly stabbing to death a certain Francisco Cuasay.

Police reports said that at about 10 a.m. last Wednesday, Marasigan was seen by witnesses allegedly punching one of the suspects. He was later seen being mauled by the suspects in apparent retaliation.

Later that evening, Marasigan’s beat-up body was discovered by SPO2 Eugene Monfero. He was taken to the JRMMC where he was declared dead on arrival.

Initial examination showed that Marasigan sustained hematomas on the chest, nape and left arm and bruises on his right shoulder. – Mike Frialde