A detainee who was often bullied by a fellow detainee died inside a detention cell in Manila yesterday morning.
Police identified the victim as 48-year-old Mario Sunga Santos who was arrested for attempted extortion and usurpation of authority.
Police disclosed that Santos had no enemy inside the Manila Police District Malate Station but was bullied by a detainee identified as Winefredo Orbeta, alias “Weng Weng,” who other detainees suspect as mentally challenged.
Investigators said Santos was found dead at 5:45 a.m. by his fellow detainee, Joseph Taco, who immediately informed the duty officer. Santos was brought to the Ospital ng Maynila but did not reach the hospital alive.
According to some detainees, Orbeta would always sit on Santos’ chest and cover his face with cloth during his sleep.
Police records showed that Santos, of Tondo, Manila, was arrested on September 8 at 5:30 p.m. in Malate.
An investigation is now underway to determine the cause of Santos’ death. (Betheena Kae Unite)
