MPD probes detainee’s death

MANILA, Philippines — Probers are looking into the death of an inmate of the Manila Police District (MPD) who was allegedly beaten up by his fellow detainees in their detention cell yesterday.

MPD Station 4 commander Lt. Col. Robert Domingo requested an autopsy on Billy James Jardiel to determine the cause of his death.

Four inmates were taken to the MPD homicide section for questioning, Domingo said.

Based on an initial report of homicide chief Capt. Henry Navarro, Jardiel created trouble that prompted his fellow inmates to beat him at around 6 a.m.

Navarro said Jardiel passed out and was rushed to the hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

Police said charges of murder would be filed against the inmates if they were found to be responsible for Jardiel’s death.

“But if it is proven that he died from an illness, they will be charged with physical injuries,” Domingo said.

Jardiel was nabbed along with another suspect in a drug sting at the corner of Simon and Algeciras streets on Friday.

His wife and four-year-old child visited him yesterday to celebrate Father’s Day, but they were shocked upon learning what happened.

In Quezon City,  a man under police custody for child abuse charges died more than a week after his arrest.

Police identified the fatality as Florante Rivera, 47.

Rivera was found unconscious in his cell at the Batasan police station on Saturday.

He was pronounced dead on arrival at the East Avenue Medical Center. 

Probers said Rivera bore no external injuries. – With Romina Cabrera