QC police denies man beaten to death while in detention

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Thursday denied allegations that the man who died while in police custody was mauled as claimed by his family, saying the deceased's body bore no signs of injuries.

In a statement, the QCPD, citing police records, admitted that Genesis Argoncillo alias Tisoy was arrested for “alarm and scandal” on June 15 and was detained at Novaliches Police Station.

However, on June 19, Argoncillo complained of shortness of breath, police said. He was then brought to Novaliches District Hospital where he was pronounced dead at around 5:15 a.m.

The QCPD said that there were no signs of external injuries on Argoncillo's body, as certified by Dr. Jethiel Fabon.

"We would like to make it clear there was no violent and inhumane treatment on Arconcillo contrary to the allegations of the family, citing a supposed broken rib and bruise marks on the cadaver," the QCPD said.

“These are mere conjectures until an autopsy is performed. Besides, our policemen are under strict orders to follow the PNP protocols calling for rights-based treatment of suspects and detainees,” it added.

Argoncillo's sister Marilou, said that her brother disclosed during her visit at the detention facility that he was mauled by other inmates. She went again to the station on Tuesday morning to post bail for her brother but was told that he was brought to the hospital because of difficulty in breathing.

The family also claimed that they found bruises on Argoncillo's body.

The police also denied that Argoncillo was arrested due to the implementation of city ordinances or the “anti-tambay” operations.

“Siya ay inaresto dahil sa pagwawala nito at rumesponde lamang ang ating mga kapulisan,” the QCPD said.

While the QCPD admitted that all of its custodial facilities for the past years are heavily congested, it noted that its District Health Service and Human Rights Affairs Office do all possible measures to alleviate the situation by "conducting weekly inspections of the facilities and the detainees, and monthly medical missions providing medicines and necessary hygiene kits for the detainees."

The police further said that there are 138 persons under custody (PUC) at the Novaliches Police Station where Argoncillo was detained. The facility was meant for six detainees based on the international standards of 4.7 square meters per PUC. —KBK/BM, GMA News