Man dies after accusing cops of mauling

CEBU, Philippines - A 28-year-old man who accused policemen of Madridejos town of mauling him last Sunday died yesterday at the Bantayan District Hospital.

Redemptor Iscalicas, of Barangay Poblacion, Madridejos, was reportedly about to undergo an abdomen surgery when he died, according to Dr. Jatoborn Batanagol.

In an interview over Bantay Radyo, Batanagol said that Iscalicas was confined about 1 p.m. last Sunday. He then immediately referred him to a hospital in Cebu City for an urgent surgery.

The doctor said that Iscalicas’ abdomen became stiff and he had difficulty in breathing due to abdominal pains. The victim had suffered contusions in different parts of his body. It was former Madridejos vice mayor Doroteo Salazar who reported the incident to the radio station.

The police, however, denied the allegation.

To clear their names, Sr. Insp. Jaime Santillan, Madridejos Police Station chief, is now conducting an investigation into the matter.

Based on the police blotter, PO3 Fabio Daplinan and PO2 Mamirod Casisina arrested Iscalicas, who reportedly hit their patrol car parked near a benefit dance.

Police reportedly released Iscalicas from detention about 9:15 a.m. yesterday.

Rashel Iscalicas, sister of the victim, said when her brother arrived at their house about 10 a.m., he told them to take him to the hospital.

“Iyang giingon nga magpa-admit siya kay dili na niya kaya kay gisukmag kuno iyang tiyan sa pulis (He said he wanted to be confined in the hospital because he could not bear the pains as he was mauled by the police),” Rashel said over Bantay Radyo.

But Santillan, who immediately called his personnel yesterday, told The FREEMAN that nobody from his men admitted the allegation.

But an investigation will be conducted on those who were accused, he said.

He advised the family of the victim to have his body autopsied to determine the real cause of his death. (FREEMAN)