THE relatives of a 34-year old security guard earlier arrested for “alarm and scandal” in Manila were shocked to learn of his death while inside the detention cell of Station 11 of the Manila Police District early dawn today.
Flordeliza Magora Viloria, 51, eldest sister of victim, Pascual Magora, travelled to Manila from Estefania, Amulong, Cagayan Valley, accompanied by her common law husband, Juanito dela Vega and her cousin, Manila Times Northern Luzon correspondent, Jaime Aquino, on learning of the cruel turn of events.
She narrated they only learned of Pascual’s arrest and imprisonment after receiving a phone call last Monday, August 24, 2020, from one of his colleagues whom she failed to name.
The next day, Aquino said from Pangasinan, he travelled to the MPD Station 11 and managed to have a brief talk with Pascual past 2:00 pm in the afternoon.
The victim allegedly whispered to him that he and his companion arrested with him are being “tortured” inside the facility and begged that he be released as soon as possible.
Pascual, however, would not elaborate apparently out of fear.
But Aquino said the bail for Pascual has been set at “more than P30,000,” an amount that he does not have. The bail for Pascual’s companion was reportedly set at an incredible P40,000.
Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code, however, considers the crime of ‘alarm and scandal’ a “minor crime” equivalent to ‘arresto menor’ or imprisonment of from one day to 30 days or a fine of P200.00.
The offense is also considered a “barangay case” that could have been settled at that level and without the victim spending time in jail.
Viloria said they rushed to Manila after receiving another phone call past 4:00 am this morning informing her that her brother had been “beaten to death” (binugbog hanggang mamatay).
Manila Police District director, P/BGen. Rolando Miranda, for his part, said he has already ordered an investigation into the incident.
He added the initial report averred that at least 3 inmates with Pascual are behind the beating that resulted to his death.
Miranda said also to be investigated are the policemen on duty at the time.
Viloria, meanwhile, went to the office of P/Major Rosalino ‘Jun’ Ibay, head of Mayor Isko Moreno’s special action team also known as ‘Smart,’ for further assistance.
Viloria added his brother left behind two children, aged 13 and 11. She added Pascual’s wife went abroad early this year to help him earn money for their children’s education.