12 cops axed after man strangled in custody

MANILA, Philippines — Twelve officers allegedly involved in the fatal strangulation of a 29-year-old man with mental illness while being held at the Pasay police have been relieved from their posts.

Jhon Paul Magat was arrested by police on Aug. 5 for reportedly destroying some of the items inside a convenience store in Barangay 75.

Magat was brought to the Pasay police substation 5 by members of the Southern Police District’s mobile force battalion (SPD-MFB).

While in police custody, Magat complained of difficulty in breathing. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

A medico-legal report obtained by The STAR stated that Magat did not die from natural causes, but from asphyxia due to strangulation.

In a statement yesterday, the Pasay police announced that six of its personnel from substation 5, five from SPD-MFB and one from the National Capital Region Police Office have been sacked over the incident.

All 12 police officers are facing criminal charges for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide before the Pasay prosecutor’s office.

Two SPD-MFB personnel will also face complaints for maltreatment of a detainee.

City police chief Col. Joselito de Sesto was mum when asked by The STAR on the initial findings of the probe, citing ongoing cases.

But he assured the public that the police personnel have been disarmed and placed on floating status.

“The important thing is that cases have been filed and that justice is rolling,” De Sesto said.