A rape suspect was found dead inside his cell at the Cebu City Jail on Sunday afternoon, April 26, 2026. The victim, identified as Fernando Abado Prajes, alias Andot, 37, a habal-habal driver, was discovered unconscious by fellow inmates around 1:00 PM.
Details of the Incident
Prajes was immediately rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center but was declared dead on arrival by attending physicians. Initial reports indicated that he had a wound on his leg, leading authorities to suspect he was mauled. The Cebu City Police Office, in coordination with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, is investigating the incident.
Autopsy Ordered
The body of Prajes has been subjected to an autopsy at the request of his family. The family earlier expressed suspicions that their relative was mauled inside the jail facility, which may have caused his death. They stated they would wait for the autopsy results before making any statements to the media.
Background of the Case
Prajes was accused of raping an 11-year-old girl in Sityo Kalubihan, Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City on March 7, 2026. After the incident, he fled to his parents' home in Alegria town, then crossed to Negros and boarded a ship in Bacolod City bound for Manila. The Cebu City Police Office, through the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region Field Unit, together with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, and Manila Police District, arrested him upon his arrival at the Manila port on March 9, 2026.
