PNP: No foul play in death of Dacera

MANILA, Philippines — Flight attendant Christine Dacera died of natural causes, according to a medico-legal report submitted yesterday to the Makati prosecutor’s office by the Philippine National Police (PNP), which ruled out homicide as the cause of her death.

The two-page report of the PNP Crime Laboratory dated Jan. 11 stated that Dacera died of a ruptured aortic aneurysm brought by increased blood pressure.

“The ruptured aortic aneurysm will remain the cause of her death as shown in the second autopsy findings,” the document signed by medico-legal officer Lt. Col. Joseph Palmero read.

The Crime Laboratory ruled out homicide, saying a ruptured aneurysm is considered a medical condition and could lead to sudden death.

“Based on the available information on hand, the manner of death is classified as natural death,” the report said.

The PNP added that while aneurysm is more common among the elderly due to atherosclerosis, it could also happen to younger persons due to other reasons.

In Dacera’s case, the report explained that increased blood pressure “further weakened that defect and eventually burst, which led to symptoms such as weakness and nausea.”

“The loss of blood due to the ruptured aorta killed her within a few hours. The dilatation or aneurysm started a long time ago or may be years, prior to her death. No alcohol or recreational drugs taken the night prior to her death will cause that kind of dilatation or defect in her aorta,” the report added.

The medico-legal report added that even if Dacera was raped or drugged, the two scenarios would not lead to aneurysm.

“If ever there are presence of drugs or alcohol, that will only be incidental findings because even by their absence, rupture can occur if the blood pressure shot up from strenuous physical activities,” the report said.

The Crime Laboratory added that Dacera’s heart weighed 500 grams, larger than the normal weight of 300 grams, which supported her apparently undiagnosed hypertension.

Negative for shabu

A copy of the drug test done on Dacera by the PNP on Jan. 12 also showed that she tested negative for shabu, amphetamine-type stimulants, cathinone and Benzylpiperazine.

Dacera, 23, was found unconscious in the bathtub of the City Garden Grand Hotel on Jan. 1. She was brought by her friends to the Makati Medical Center where she was declared dead on arrival.

Police have filed charges of rape with homicide against at least 11 people, including Dacera’s friends before the Makati prosecutor’s office.

The next hearing is set on Feb. 3.

PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas has recommended the relief of Makati police chief Col. Harold Depositar, Southern Police District medico-legal officer Maj. Michael Nick Sarmiento and two other investigators for alleged laspes in handling the case.

NBI probe

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is asking the PNP for a particular specimen and medical records of Dacera to complete its probe, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said.

Guevarra said the NBI has not yet finished examining the evidence since the bureau is still waiting for additional specimen and information from the PNP.

He said the NBI forensic team has completed its toxicology report. – Evelyn Macairan