2 drug suspects killed in Pasay jail

MANILA, Philippines — Two drug suspects being held at the Pasay City police jail died after they were allegedly beaten up by their fellow inmates yesterday morning.

Eduardo Angeles, 48, and Arman Castillo, 32, were found unconscious in the drug enforcement unit custodial facility at around 5:45 a.m., according to Chief Superintendent Tomas Apolinario, director of the Southern Police District.

Apolinario relieved Police Officer 1 Anthony Fernandez, who was on duty at the time of the incident, for negligence.

Fernandez was making a headcount of the detainees when he discovered Angeles and Castillo unconscious.

The detainees were taken to the Pasay General Hospital where they were pronounced dead at around 7:10 a.m.

Apolinario dismissed reports that Angeles and Castillo died of heat stroke due to congestion in the detention cell.

Apolinario said their investigation showed that Angeles and Castillo died after they were allegedly beaten by inmates Ellinoe Ellos, 32, and Benjamin Cruz, 40.

“Another inmate saw the suspects ganging up on Angeles and Castillo,” Apolinario said.

He said the witness has been transferred to another cell to ensure his safety.

Apolinario said Angeles and Castillo earned the ire of the other inmates because they were uncooperative in maintaining cleanliness in the detention facility.

Police said charges of murder would be filed against Ellos and Cruz.