Covid rule-breaker dies after Philippines police ‘made him do 300 squats as punishment’ for going out to buy water after 6pm
- Darren Penaredondo, 28, died April 3 in the Philippines after suffering seizures
- He had been arrested on the night of April 1 after breaking curfew to buy water
- Police allegedly forced him to do 100 squat thrusts, and made him repeat the exercise three times because he kept stumbling
- He returned home barely able to walk or stand before collapsing and dying
A Filipino man has died after allegedly being forced to do 300 squat thrusts by police as punishment for breaking Covid rules in his home country.
Darren Manaog Penaredondo, 28, died in General Trias city, on the outskirts of the capital Manila, on April 3 – two days after he was caught by police buying a bottle of water from a local shop after the 6pm curfew.
Partner Reichelyn Balce said he and a group of other curfew-breakers were forced to do 100 squat thrusts – but had to repeat the exercise if they failed to do it in unison.
By the time Mr Penaredondo arrived home the following morning, Ms Blace said he had performed 300 of the exercises and was barely able to walk.
Darren Manaog Penaredondo, 28, died after being forced to do 300 squat thrusts by police, leaving him struggling to stand (pictured) before he suffered a seizure
Mr Penaredondo (left), died on April 3 in the Philippines – two days after being forced to do 300 squat thrusts by police for breaking Covid curfew
‘When he came home on Friday, around 8am, he was assisted by a fellow quarantine violator who was arrested with him,’ Ms Balce told local news site Rappler.
‘I asked if he was beaten up. He just smiled but it was obvious he was in pain.’
Ms Blace said he was unable to stand for the rest of the day, and was crawling across the floor because his legs and knees hurt so much.
Then, while trying to use the bathroom, Mr Penaredondo began suffering seizures and had to be revived by a neighbour using CPR.
He regained consciousness for a short time afterwards, but eventually passed away around 10pm without ever reaching hospital.
Cousin Adrian Lucena announced the death on Facebook, writing: ‘We love you so much. We will not allow those responsible to escape justice.
‘Sorry I can’t go home because of these times. I love you so much.’
Reichelyn Balce (right), Mr Penaredondo’s partner, said he collapsed and suffered seizures while trying to use the bathroom – then died before she could get him to hospital
Mr Penaredondo’s cousin posted this image of his body on Facebook, pledging to get justice as the local mayor opened an investigation
Rodolfo Cruz Jr, head of local village guard units, confirmed that Mr Penaredondo was arrested for breaching curfew on the night of April 1 – but said he was handed over to municipal police shortly afterwards.
Lieutenant Colonel Marlo Solero, head of the local police force, denied that squats are used as a punishment for curfew violators and said officers are supposed to give lectures to rule-breakers.
If police are found to have ordered Mr Penaredondo to do squats then it will not be tolerated, he added.
Mayor Ony Ferrer released a statement on Facebook as news of the death spread, pledging to carry out a full investigation.
‘We want to know what really happened for the family’s sake,’ he said.
He added that he had been in contact with Mr Penaredondo’s family to offer his condolences.