3 Davao inmates die of ethanol poisoning

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – At least three inmates of the Davao City Rehabilitation Center had died while 10 others fell ill from ethanol poisoning caused by an alcohol concoction they took on Christmas Day.

Davao Medical Center chief Dr. Leopoldo Vega said 11 inmates were brought to the hospital for treatment due to the liquor poisoning on Christmas Day.

Vega said two other inmates, identified as Jonas Arseno and Ruel Bagina, died shortly after they took the concoction due to massive or severe acidosis that their immune system was not able to reverse at all.

The third inmate succumbed to pulmonary arrest due to chemical pneumonitis while confined at the DMC was identified as Raymund Ancahas, who died five days after the incident.

“Pneumonia is also caused by chemical aside from bacteria. What happened to the last fatality was chemical pneumonitis because it was due to the alcohol content,” Vega said.

He stressed that the inmates could have concocted the drink out of the rubbing alcohol, 3-in-1 coffee mixes, orange juice and Efficascent oil that were among the gifts they were allowed to receive on Christmas.

“The concoction was really a lethal combination,” the DMC chief said.

Only one inmate has remained at the DMC now while the nine others were earlier discharged after they have recovered.

Vega said the remaining inmate at the hospital is suffering from some form of blindness as his sight has been affected by the ethanol poisoning.

Meanwhile, efforts to get in touch with the officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology here at the Davao City jail proved futile as no one wants to answer questions regarding the ethanol poisoning case.

Chief Inspector Erwin Ronquillo has reportedly been relieved as jail warden while investigation is ongoing on the case.   – Edith Regalado