MANILA, Philippines — Six more inmates were charged with murder in connection with the killing of Genesis Argoncillo, the detainee allegedly beaten to death in the detention cell of a police station in Quezon City last month.
Two more witnesses identified Anthony Lapid, 34; Anthony Tolentino, 22; Raymart Guevarra; Ericson Noriega, 38; Marlon Gandala and Renato Dizon as among those who allegedly killed Argoncillo, who was arrested during a police drive against loitering and detained at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Station 4.
All of the suspects – except Guevarra, who was arrested for carrying a concealed weapon – are being held on drug charges.
One of the witnesses told police the suspects gagged Argoncillo with a piece of cloth when they beat him as he was allegedly causing a commotion.
Investigators said the witnesses’ testimony matched those of three initial witnesses, which led to the filing of charges against Justine Mercado and Richard Bautista, earlier arrested on charges of illegal possession of deadly weapons and illegal gambling.
QCPD director Chief Superintendent Joselito Esquivel earlier said Argoncillo died due to breathing difficulties but later claimed the detainee was beaten to death after a death certificate showed Argoncillo died from blunt trauma to the neck, chest, head and upper extremities.
Documents show Argoncillo was arrested for not wearing a shirt while buying cell phone load but police claimed he was nabbed on charges of alarm and scandal.
Nine police officers were removed from their posts over Argoncillo’s death.