By Erma Edera
A man who was facing a rape case died after he allegedly jumped from the third floor of the Manila City hall building on Wednesday afternoon.
(Photo courtesy of Ian Bacungan / MANILA BULLETIN)
Police identified him as Ricardo Reyes, 66, and resident of Burgos Street, Paco Manila. He was arrested by Pandacan police on August 20 for allegedly molesting a seven-year-old girl.
Investigation showed Reyes was supposed to attend an inquest proceeding at the City Prosecutors office at around 2:12 p.m. on Wednesday.
According to Manila Police District Pandacan Police Station (PS-10) Commander Julius Añonuevo, Reyes complained of the difficulty of breathing and chest pain.
Añonuevo said he asked for a glass of water and he requested to temporarily remove the handcuffs. But when the police granted his request, he allegedly ran and jumped off the city hall building at around 2:45 p.m.
Reyes was rushed to Jose Abad Santos Hospital but he was declared dead on arrival.