Fiscals rule out suicide, says man choked cousin

CEBU - The city prosecutor’s office of Talisay City yesterday elevated to court a murder case against a man who allegedly strangled his 22-year-old cousin to death last October 12.

Fiscals say the National Bureau of Investigation was able to establish that Joseph Calunsag strangled his cousin Paul Roger Villaruel, contrary to Calunsag’s earlier statement to authorities that the latter committed suicide.

Villaruel was found dead in the stockroom of their house in barangay Lawaan 3 last October 12 with one end of a blanket tied around his neck and the other end tied to the ceiling. Calunsag said he was the one who found his cousin early morning that day and even rushed him to the South General Hospital.

Villaruel’s parents are among those who perished in the sinking of the M/V Princess of the Stars last June and Calunsag said his cousin has been restless since his parents’ death. 

Prior to the incident, Calunsag told the authorities Villaruel has just broken up with his girlfriend, which might have contributed to the anguish he was feeling.

But while Calunsag was consistent with his statement that Villaruel committed suicide, authorities discovered abrasions on the victim’s neck, which reportedly are signs of struggle. – Jasmin R. Uy/BRP (THE FREEMAN)