The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 has released an autopsy report revealing that the death of rape suspect Fernando Prajes, also known as Andot, was caused by blunt traumatic injuries. Prajes died inside his cell at the Cebu City Jail on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Initial medical findings had indicated cardiac arrest as the cause of death.
Autopsy Findings
Dr. Rene Cam, medico legal officer of NBI 7, conducted the autopsy. He reported that Prajes suffered severe contusions, particularly on his thighs, resulting from beatings that led to his death. “The severe injuries on his thigh, back of the thigh. This is like hazing where you are paddled,” Dr. Cam observed. “The deceased was only in prison inside the BJMP for only I think 1 month, but these injuries did not occur earlier, meaning this could have happened almost everyday,” he added.
In addition to the thigh bruises, the victim's testicles were swollen, believed to have been hit during the beatings or intentionally targeted. There was also significant blood loss from the body.
Discrepancy with Initial Report
Dr. Cam clarified that the earlier finding of cardiac arrest by doctors at the Cebu City Medical Center may have resulted from their failure to notice the numerous bruises on the body. He also observed a large wound on Prajes' right arm, suggesting that Prajes had been shielding himself while being beaten on the legs.
Investigation and Cooperation
The autopsy was conducted at the request of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) 7, which is investigating the incident. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) 7 has previously pledged full cooperation with the investigations by CHR 7 and the police.
Jail Inspector Samuel Manas, head of the Community Relations Service Section of BJMP 7, promised that they would not cover up any involvement of their personnel or other inmates who may have assisted in the abuse of Prajes.
