Laoag City – A 62-year-old construction worker was found dead after allegedly hanging himself from a mango tree in Sitio Bengbengcag, Barangay Bimmanga, Piddig, Ilocos Norte.
Police Major Kristian Lee Badua, chief of police in Piddig, confirmed the incident.
The victim, a resident of Barangay Callusa in Piddig but originally from Cagayan, was found hanging from the tree around 8:15 AM after a report was made by Barangay Chairwoman Carolina J. Balguna.
Responding police officers found the victim still hanging from the mango tree using a rope.
The initial examination by Dr. Maricon Martin from the Rural Health Unit declared asphyxia by hanging as the cause of death, with no signs of foul play.
Further investigation revealed that the victim had been estranged from his wife for seven years due to marital problems.
The night before the incident, he visited his wife’s house and was drinking alcohol while threatening to commit suicide.
His family urged him to return to Cagayan, but he disappeared, and the next morning, he was found dead with an empty alcohol bottle beside him.
Police believe the victim was suffering from depression due to his family issues, and this may have contributed to his decision to take his own life.
The victim’s body is currently in his family’s home in Piddig, while his relatives await further decisions on whether to bring him back to Cagayan.