Rape suspect slashes throat in Manila court

Apparently distressed by his teenage daughter’s hysterical cries at merely seeing him and the fact that the rest of his family has abandoned him after he allegedly abused the girl, a rape suspect slashed his throat with a piece of tin can while attending a court hearing Wednesday.

Ramelo Tayag, in his mid-40s was saved, however, after being given first aid just in time by a doctor, who happened to be testifying in another case at the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 41 under Judge Rodolfo Ponferrada.

"We were all caught by surprise, good thing a doctor was around and immediately jumped on him to prevent more of his blood from streaming down," branch clerk of court Roma Ortis told The STAR.

The alleged rape, to which Tayag has pleaded not guilty, reportedly happened sometime last year. In each trial of the case, his 19-year-old daughter would reportedly cry uncontrollably upon seeing him.

Based on the account of a court staffer who first saw Tayag’s suicide try, she first saw a bloodied towel Tayag was holding, covering his throat and she told the judge about it. Shortly after, Tayag’s hands fell to reveal his slashed throat with his head simultaneously falling back as he began to fall unconscious.

Immediately, a doctor rushed to Tayag’s side and pressed his throat to keep him from further losing blood.

Ortiz said Ponferrada instantly called for a recess.

Tayag’s case was due to be called next for trial when he reportedly tried to kill himself at about 10:30 a.m.

Jailguards later recovered from Tayag’s hand a sharpened strip of tin can a few millimeters wide and three-inches long.

Inmates are allowed to bring towels with them during court hearings to cover their handcuffs.

Tayag was eventually declared out of danger after being brought to the Manila City Hall clinic.

His lawyer, public counsel Edwin Valdez, asked the court for a psychological analysis of his client which was granted.

Ortiz said that prior to the start of the scheduled hearings that morning, Tayag was seen trying to hand to his daughter a letter addressed to his wife.

The contents of the letter could not be immediately determined but Ortiz said Tayag expressed his bitterness at his other relatives, whom he felt "have abandoned him."