Town policemen investigated for detainee’s death
SUAL—The town police chief and two of his policemen are under investigation for the death of a detainee who reportedly committed suicide inside his lock-up cell at the town police station dawn of Nov. 4.
P/Superintendent Ferdinand de Asis, spokesperson of the Police Provincial Office, said P/Senior Inspector Leo Llamas, town police chief; PO3 Dator Osana and PO1 Brent Fernandez are being probed for the death of Eduardo Quiriones, 19, single, resident of Barangay Poblacion this town.
Llamas told The PUNCH that he had already completed his own probe and he is open to an investigation as well. He said his men exercised diligence in their tasks.
Osana and Fernandez were the investigator/jailer and desk officer at the time of Quiriones’ suicide.
Quiriones was found dead inside his cell by hanging himself with a belt. He was the lone detainee inside his cell.
Policemen rushed him to Western Pangasinan District Hospital in Alaminos City where his attending physician declared him dead on arrival. His body was subjected to an autopsy examination.
Quiriones was arrested on Nov. 2 for statutory rape.
He could not be transferred to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology or the Pangasinan Provincial Jail at the time in the absence of a commitment order from the court.
Prior to committing suicide, Quiriones allegedly had premonition of his death as he reportedly told his visiting relatives that they would not see each other again anymore.
P/Senior Superintendent Rolie Saltat, officer-in-charge at PPPO, ordered an immediate probe to see if the Llamas and the two personnel were remiss in their duties or if there were lapses in the performance of their duties in handling a detainee.
He said proper charges will be filed against them if evidence would warrant.
De Asis assured an impartial investigation. (Tita Roces)
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
