Alleged robber commits "suicide"

CEBU, Philippines - An alleged car thief that was being detained at the Talisay City’s police substation inside the city hall compound in barangay Lawaan II was found dead Tuesday night hanging by the neck with an improvised rope made from a t-shirt that was cut into strips.

Police identified the detainee as Cielo Hernani Bacus, 19, of sitio Mananga II, barangay Tabunok, who was arrested for alleged violation of the Anti-Carnapping Act.

Based on the initial investigation conducted by Inspector Rio Hugo Ipong, Bacus was reportedly distressed over the fact that since his arrest, not one of his relatives had come to see him. And since there was no free food inside the jail, Bacus subsisted on leftovers given by his fellow inmates.

He shared the cell with five other detainees.

Ipong said prior to the incident, Bacus had hinted he would end his life, but he was not taken seriously as the other detainees thought he was joking.

At about 11 p.m. last Tuesday when everyone was asleep, one of the inmates heard what he believed was a coughing sound from Bacus’ corner. He then saw Bacus hanging from one of the cell’s iron bars.

Jailer SPO3 Cleofas and the detainees took Bacus down and laid on the floor.

Members of the Talisay Rescue Emergency Action Team (TREAT) then took Bacus to the Talisay City District Hospital, but he was already declared dead on arrival there.

Bacus was arrested by city police last August 25 for allegedly trying to steal a motorcycle parked in Tabunok Public Market’s parking area.

It was reportedly the owner’s brother Ulysses Sala who allegedly caught Bacus and his alleged companion Witnes Labiaga.

But Labiaga escaped. Both are facing charges at the Talisay City Prosecutor’s Office.

As alleged, Bacus, a member of the Crips gang, was linked to a number of robberies in the past.

As of yesterday afternoon, the victim’s body which was brought to Saint Francis Funeral Homes in barangay Bulacao, had not yet been claimed by his relatives. – THE FREEMAN