Detainee in Novaliches dies in police custody

A man apprehended last Friday in Novaliches died while being detained at a police station in Quezon City.

A report on "Unang Balita" on Thursday morning by James Agustin identified the victim as Genesis Argoncillo alias "Tisoy," who died while at the Novaliches Police Station.

Tisoy was apprehended last Friday by Quezon City Police District Station 4 personnel in an operation in Sitio Cabuyao of Barangay Sauyo for supposedly being shirtless when buying cellphone load at a store, the Argoncillo family claimed.

But the police said Tisoy was nabbed for "alarm and scandal" after causing a commotion and challenging people to a fight.

Tisoy's sister, Marilou, denied the accusation.

She said Tisoy disclosed to her during her visit at the detention facility that he was mauled by other inmates.

On Tuesday morning, Marilou went to the station again to post bail for Tisoy but was told her brother was brought to the hospital because of difficulty in breathing.

Tisoy was declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

But the Argoncillo family claimed they found bruises in many parts of Tisoy's body.

"Sa loob pa lang, nung dumating siya, parang pa-welcome siya binugbog siya hinubad lahat ng sinuot niya tapos pinalitan yung ano. Wala na silang awa sa loob," Marilou said.

The head of the Novaliches Police Station said they are open to an investigation on the case.

Meanwhile, the family of Tisoy is asking for financial assistance from other relatives to cover the burial expenses. 

Relatives vowed to seek justice for Tisoy.  — BAP/LBG, GMA News