`Obedient' inmate died at PDEA-10 stairs in Oro

AN inmate of Misamis Oriental Provincial Jail (MOPJ) died after diving head-first on the stairs of the regional office of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA-10) at Pelaez Sports Complex, Velez streets, Cagayan de Oro City on Tuesday, April 23.

Authorities identified the inmate as Reyjie Reyes, 34, who was detained for murder charges for about five years.

MOPJ assistant warden Maricris Mulat said they subjected Reyes for drug testing after he was observed to be mentally-disturbed since Monday.

"Part of our investigation as to what causes his misbehavior whether drug using or depression is to have him undergo drug testing," Mulat said.

Reyes was brought to the hospital and was declared dead at 9:30 p.m. due to severe head injuries.

"Pagnaog nila gidistansya niya iyang kaugalingon sa nag-una then gi-dive siya una ang iyang ulo,"Mulat said.

"Gahapon murag nag-worse iyang behavior kay gatago na siya kay naa kunoy mopatay niya. Lain na iyang state of mind kay mura na siyag suicidal, "she added.

Mulat said the court is likely to issue verdict on Reyes in few months and if found guilty, his sentence may be shortened after serving five years

including his good record at the detention facility.

She also said the inmate was worried because his wife has another family while his children no longer visited him. But, Mulat could not conclude if this caused Reyes’ unusual behavior.

“Maayo iyang record diri gani adviser siya sa usa ka selda and most likely mahatagan namo siya certification for good conduct and time allowance, ”Mulat said.

MOPJ officials are looking into whether there are lapses on the part of the jail security escorts. Alwen Saliring