Cancer-stricken detainee dies in police custody, kin suspect foul play

Another detainee has died at a police station in Manila.

According to Emil Sumangil's report on "QRT", the detainee identified as Allan Rafael, 35, was suffering from cancer. 

He was arrested on August 2 at a checkpoint for alleged possession of illegal drugs and was held at the Barbosa police station in Quiapo.

It was later reported on "24 Oras" that Rafael died of "hypovolemic shock secondary to massive gastrointestinal bleeding" on August 6.

"Naaresto si Alan Rafael kasama itong si Sherwin Angeles dahil sa kasong Revised Ordinance 844 atsaka 'yung illegal possession ng dangerous drugs. Section 11 ng RA 9165," said Police Inspector Rommel Anicete, chief of the Manila Police District homicide division.

Rafael's family, however, suspect foul play in his death.

According to Aaron Rafael, his brother's body was embalmed without their consent.

He said the body seemed to have been drenched and had bruises on the neck. There were also traces of blood on the feet and shoulders.

"Kasi namamaga 'yung leeg niya sir, may mga maga -maga, pagpantal-pantal parang namumula po sa leeg po, tapos atsaka 'yung paa niya may dugo, 'yung damit niya, basang basa gn dugo o pawis ba 'yun," Aaron said.

Aaron claimed the police forced Rafael to withdraw cash from an ATM and repeatedly tried to get him to confess to using drugs. because of his appearance.

Aaron said he visited Allan in prison where the latter would say the cops beat him, even hitting his newly-operated chest.

"Kwento niya sa akin, 'Pinipilit lang ako na paaminin na gumagamit ako ng shabu. Sinasampal-sampal ako ng mga pulis, tapos sinusuntok ako kasi may nararamdam ako, bago ako hulihin nila, sinuntok dito 'yung dibdib ko. Masakit sainoperahan daw niya,' 'Yun yung sabi niya," he added.

Aaron also denied the illegal drug allegations against his brother.

"Hindi 'yan nagsha-shabu kasi nagki-chemo therapy 'yan, therapy niya sa lymphoma , sir," he said.

GMA News had sought comment from the chief of the Barbosa Police Station, who said the case was already with the MPD.

PNP Spokesperson Police Senior Superintendent Benigno Durana, Jr. said the case is now being investigated and those who would be found responsible would be made accountable.

The Commission on Human Rights had expressed concern over the allegations. —NB, GMA News