Kin wants fair probe on death of man who fell from police car

By Felipe V. Celino 

 

ROXAS CITY, Capiz – The family of Erwin Patanao who allegedly died after falling from the patrol car of Pontevedra Municipal Police Station is calling for a fair and impartial investigation on the incident.

In an interview, Patanao’s father Edwin appealed for an accurate investigation to find out the reason for his son’s death.

Edwin said he has doubts about Erwin’s death and he called for witnesses to come out.

The 23-year-old victim, who was supposed to give a statement on a vehicular incident, died after he allegedly fell from a police car while on their way to the police station.

The incident happened 9:30 pm Nov 6, 2020 at Barangay Tacas, Pontevedra, Capiz.

Major Christopher Candelario, Pontevedra police chief, said no one saw how Erwin Patanao fell from the police vehicle – a Toyota Hi-Lux double cab.

Before the incident, Patanao’s cousin figured in a vehicular incident in the said area. The victim was unconscious as he was being taken to a hospital.

Patanao’s younger sibling accompanied their cousin while police officers invited him to the police station to give a statement on what transpired.

Candelario said Patanao was believed to be drunk. He was seated in the back of the cab along with his cousin’s motorcycle.

Candelario said there were four policemen in the vehicle, but none apparently saw what happened.

“He suddenly fell off. He sustained injuries on the back portion of his head,” he said.

Patanao was taken to Bailan District Hospital in Pontevedra town but he died while undergoing treatment.

Luckily, his cousin survived.

Candelario said the police officers who accompanied Patanao are under investigation.