Second detainee dies in MPD facility in less than a week

MANILA, Philippines — A detainee of the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 1 died before dawn yesterday morning, the second in less than a week. 

MPD-Station 1 commander Superintendent Jay Dimaandal identified the victim as Rodolfo Penaflor, 43, who was arrested on drug charges on July 1.

Penaflor was awaiting the conclusion of his trial, Dimaandal said.

Inmates alerted jail guards that Penaflor had difficulty breathing in the crowded detention facility at around 2 a.m. 

Penaflor was declared dead on arrival at the Tondo Medical Center. 

Dimaandal said their continuous anti-drug operations resulted in overcrowding in the detention facility.