By Jennifer P. Rendon and Felipe V. Celino
A 23-year-old man who was supposed to give a statement over 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 in the evening of November 6 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.
An autopsy was also conducted on Patanao to ascertain the cause of his death.
