A man facing a rape case died after he allegedly jumped from the third floor of the Manila City Hall on Wednesday afternoon.
Police identified the victim as Ricardo Reyes, 66, a resident of Burgos Street, Paco, Manila. He was arrested by Pandacan police on last August 20 for allegedly molesting a seven-year-old girl.
Investigation showed Reyes was supposed to attend an inquest proceeding at the City Prosecutors Office at around 2:12 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to Manila Police District Pandacan Police Station (PS-10) Commander Julius Añonuevo, Reyes complained of difficulty of breathing and chest pain.
Añonuevo said he asked for a glass of water and requested to temporarily remove his handcuffs. But when the police granted his request, he allegedly ran and jumped off the city hall building at around 2:45 p.m.
Reyes was rushed to Jose Abad Santos Hospital. He was declared dead on arrival. (Erma Edera)
