Genesis Argoncillo first 'apprehended' for being shirtless, but ended up with 'alarm and scandal' case

Genesis "Tisoy" Argoncillo, who died of multiple blunt force trauma while in police custody, was apprehended by cops for supposedly being shirtless, but the complaint filed against him was later due to causing "alarm and scandal."

In a 24 Oras report by Mariz Umali, witnesses belied the police account that Argoncillo had caused a commotion in front of a sari-sari store in Sitio Cabuyao, Barangay Sauyo in Novaliches on June 15. They said policemen had ordered Argoncillo to hold a bottle of an alcoholic drink as an "evidence."

"Hindi naman po siya nagwala eh nag-ano lang po, sumunod lang po siya nang walang salita. Pinahawak lang po 'yung Red Horse, sabi, 'Hawakan niyo 'to,'" a witness said.

"Basta dumating lang po 'yung mga pulis, nakaupo lang po dito 'yung dalawa na hinuli nila. Sabi nila, 'Oh eto nakahubad, itabi 'yung bote' kasi daw ebidensya sabi ng isang pulis na nagpi-picture sa kanila," a certain Elsa said.

Argoncillo was first brought to the barangay hall, and his name was listed under "apprehended and rescued" and said to be underlined by authorities.

He later underwent medical examination and inquest proceeding, with cops detaining him for causing "alarm and scandal."

Argoncillo died on June 19. The police autopsy report showed that Argoncillo suffered injuries on the "neck, head, chest and upper extremities." Pictures also showed bruises on his neck, chest and arms.

Argoncillo's sister, Marilou, recalled that her brother had told him that he was being beaten inside the prison by other inmates.

"Sobrang sikip ng kulungan tapos simula ng gabi na 'yun, 'yung kapatid ko nakatayo lang, pawis, init, grabe... sobrang init. Nakikita ko ang kapatid ko sobrang hirap na," Marilou said.

Marilou, however, believed that policemen also maltreated her brother.

"Nilabas daw siya ng gabi na 'yun para ilipat daw sa ibang station. Nilabas nila 'yung kapatid ko ibig sabihin sila 'yung bumugbog sa kapatid ko," she said.

The Philippine National Police and the Quezon City Police District Station 4 have denied the accusation.

They maintained that Argoncillo died due to "loss of breath" because of congestion inside the detention cell. —Anna Felicia Bajo/JST, GMA News