Arrested drug suspect found dead in jail cell

By Jennifer P. Rendon

TRIGGER WARNING: SELF-HARM

A man arrested on a drug-related charge was found dead inside the custodial facility of the Lambunao Municipal Police Station on the afternoon of Sept. 23.

The suspect, identified as alias JR, 37, of Barangay Maite Pequeño, Lambunao, Iloilo, is believed to have died by apparent suicide.

Senior Master Sergeant Marvin Sison, the duty jailer, discovered the death of the person under police custody (PUPC) around 4:57 p.m. on Monday.

Lambunao police immediately sought assistance from the Lambunao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO).

JR was taken to Dr. Ricardo Ladrido Memorial District Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.

JR had been arrested in a buy-bust operation on Sept. 22 in Barangay Bansag Ilawod, Lambunao. Authorities seized illegal drugs valued at PHP34,000 from him.

On the night of his arrest, JR’s mother brought him bedding sheets, which he allegedly used to take his own life.

Before his death, JR had complained of feeling unwell, prompting police to take him for a medical check-up. It is believed that he took his own life shortly after returning to the custodial facility.

Authorities have directed responsible personnel to explain why JR’s actions went unnoticed.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health encourages individuals struggling with mental health issues or those who know someone at risk of suicide to seek help through the following mental health crisis intervention hotlines:

• Center for Health Development – Western Visayas:
  1-800-10-333-8336
  09985324047
  09255469919
• WVSUMC: 3202431 loc. 162 or 209, 3292360
• WVMC: 3211797 loc. 186, 5037708
• PMHU: 5298109