Ex-OFW dies in police custody; justice sought

Migrante Philippines is calling for justice following the death of a former overseas Filipino worker (OFW) while under police custody in Manila.

In a statement, the group vehemently denounced the “ruthless killing” of Allan Rafael, who worked in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Rafael returned home to undergo treatment after learning he had cancer.

He was arrested by the police along C. M. Recto Avenue last August 3 for alleged possession of illegal drugs and breach of peace.

While in detention, his relatives claimed that he was tortured and forced to admit his supposed involvement in drug-related crimes.

Rafael’s younger sibling said that when the family visited him on Sunday, he was up an about, but narrated that he was beaten by the police to extract an admission from him regarding drug use.

The Manila Police District (MPD) denied that police brutality led to the death of Rafael while he was detained at the Barbosa Police Station (PS-3) in Quiapo, Manila.

“As soon as our police personnel became aware of his medical condition, he was transferred to Barbosa PCP, and the family was informed of this matter,” MPD Director Chief Supt. Rolando Anduyan said.

Anduyan said that Rafael complained of shortness of breath on August 6 and was rushed to Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital.

Rafael was declared dead at around 6:15 a.m. by Dr. Cynthia Charmino, Anduyan said.

“We remain steadfast in our ‘zero-tolerance’ policy against inhumane treatment of detainees,” Anduyan said.

He assured that anyone who will be found to have committed any wrongdoing in Rafael’s case will be held accountable. (with a report from Erma Edera)