QCPD chief says death of detainee not due to police brutality

Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel, QCPD director (Photo by EDWIN BACASMAS / Philippine Daily Inquirer)

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel, Jr. denied on Thursday allegations of police brutality that allegedly led to the death of a suspect while in Novaliches Police Station 4 (PS 4).

The family of Genesis Argoncillo, who was reportedly arrested for alarm and scandal on June 15, accused policemen of PS 4 with brutality over the death of the suspect while in detention.

According to Esquivel, Argoncillo complained of shortness of breath on June 19 and was rushed to the nearby Novaliches District Hospital for medical attention.

But the suspect was subsequently pronounced dead around 5:15 a.m. by Dr. Jethiel Fabon, who also further certified that there were no signs of external injuries on Argoncillo, Esquivel said in a statement.

“The family of the deceased, however, alleges that violence and inhumane treatment were involved, citing a supposed broken rib and bruise marks on the cadaver. But these are mere conjectures until an autopsy is performed. Besides, our policemen are under strict orders to follow the PNP protocols calling for rights-based treatment of suspects and detainees,” Esquivel noted.

Congestion

For the past month, Esquivel said there were five persons under custody (PCUs) who died inside different custodial facilities of QCPD. Their initial complaint was difficulty in breathing.

Esquivel faulted QCPD’s “heavily congested” custodial facility for the unfortunate incidents.

“For instance, in PS 4 alone, there are 138 PUCs for a facility that is fit for 6 based on international standards (4.7 square meters per PUC),” he said.

Despite the congestion, Esquivel said their District Health Service and Human Rights Affairs Office “exert all possible efforts to alleviate the situation by conducting weekly inspections of the facilities and the detainees, and monthly medical missions providing medicines and necessary hygiene kits for the detainees.”

He also claimed that additional water and ventilation are likewise being provided.

‘Full transparency’

Moreover, Esquivel clarified that Argoncillo was arrested not by virtue of any City Ordinances or the police’s Anti-Tambay sa Kalye operation.

“Siya ay inaresto dahil sa pagwawala nito at rumesponde lamang ang ating mga kapulisan,” he said.

To get to the bottom of the matter, and “render justice where it is due,” Esquivel said they are conducting a thorough investigation, including an autopsy, if the Argoncillo family allows it, to determine the real cause of the suspect’s death.

Should violence be established as the cause of death, he said they would investigate everyone involved, including the police officers on duty.

“Should any police be involved, we assure the public and the family of the deceased of full transparency,” Esquivel said.  /kga