Murder charges filed vs 2 inmates for the death of ‘Tisoy’

SPUTNIK GANG. The two suspects in the death of Genesis “Tisoy” Argoncillo. Photo by Jodee A. Agoncillo

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) filed on Friday murder charges against two detainees, who allegedly mauled to death a 22-year-old Genesis “Tisoy” Argoncillo.

In a press conference on Friday, QCPD Director Chief Supt. Joselito Esquivel said they filed murder charges against alleged Sputnik gang members Justin Mercado and Richard Bautista.

The suspects, previously detained for illegal gambling, were held responsible for purportedly mauling Argoncillo inside the Novaliches Police Station last June 19.

Esquivel earlier said Argoncillo had no external injuries when inspected by a doctor. But Argoncillo’s death certificate showed he died of multiple blunt force trauma. It also noted bruises on his  neck, head, chest, and upper extremities; and stated the manner of death as “homicide”.

Mercado and Bautista were charged based on the testimonies of other inmates who said the two conspired to beat Argoncillo because he was “unruly.”

“Patakbo-takbo siya,” said one of the witnesses, adding that a jail guard checked the detention cell twice.

The incident was not noticed by the jailer as the suspects were hiding Argoncillo, they also said.

Earlier on Friday, Esquivel said five policemen from the QCPD’s Novaliches Police Station 4 were already relieved from their posts –police station commander Supt. Carlito Grijaldo, PO3 Dennis Saño, Desk Officer SPO3 Ronald Nañola, Staff Duty Officer (SDO) Insp. Oliver Dela Cruz and Shift Patrol Supervisor (SPS) SPO4 Valerio Perez.

There is an ongoing investigation to determine the liability of the police officials and other inmates for the death of Argoncillo, as the possibility of police torture will also be looked into, according to Esquivel.

In an Inquirer report on Wednesday, Argoncillo’s sister Marilou said Genesis was arrested by the QCPD simply for not wearing a shirt while on the street, but was booked for alarm and scandal last June 15. In her last jail visit, she said, Argoncillo told her that he was being beaten by his fellow inmates.

Esquivel denied doing any coverup on the crime.

“I did not cover up anything. I was standing by with the report given to me, we did not change any tune,” he told reporters.      /kga