Police investigate death of ‘insular prisoner’ at PMA

FORT DEL PILAR, Baguio City — An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of death of an "insular prisoner" who was "loaned" by the justice department to the Philippine Military Academy.

The prisoner, Elpidio Tolentino Sr., was rushed to the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center last June 14 and reportedly died of septicemia, an infection due to a ruptured peptic ulcer.

The police investigation came amid reports that Tolentino was allegedly maltreated by two enlisted personnel.

Navy Lt. Alvin Lopez, PMA spokesman, said so-called "insular prisoners" from the National Penitentiary have long been "loaned" to the PMA for the upkeep of Fort del Pilar.

Lopez said insular prisoners are those slated to be freed within a year or less due to their good record at the National Bilibid Prisons.

Lopez said the PMA turned over the case to the Baguio City police amid speculations that Tolentino was a victim of maltreatment. – Artemio Dumlao