Inmate killed self in cell — Capitol
No foul play.
This was the finding of a Capitol inquiry into the reported suicide of an inmate in an isolation cell of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC).
Ricky Salidaga, 30, was found dead hanging with a blanket tied to a metal railing in his cell on July 3.
Relatives of Salidaga said they believe he was actually mauled to death by fellow inmates.
Capitol consultants lawyers Rory Jon Sepulveda and Jose Maria Gastardo who handled the inquiry presented their findings yesterday.
Gastardo said the autopsy report from the Regional Police Crime Laboratory Office 7 showed that Salidaga died of asphyxia or a deficiency of oxygen supply in the body.
Salidaga’s body, which was examined by Inspector Joe Martin Fuentes, had a bruise on the front part of the neck.
There were no signs of mauling.
Gastardo said the Capitol wil request to have more closed-circuit TV cameras installed in the jail especially in the isolation cell where Salidaga was found.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development (PSWD) will see what assistance can be given to Salidaga’s family.
The inmate was detained on December 2010 for robbery charges.
He had been complaining of family problems, said Acting Provincial Warden Algier Comendador.
The warden said Salidega’s relatives never visited him in jail.
Salidega’s father is an inmate of the national penitentiary in Muntinlupa .
His brother is also detained at the Cebu City Jail./CORRESPONDENT CARMEL LOISE MATUS
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.
