Alleged drug addict found dead

CEBU, Philippines – A 19-year-old alleged drug addict was found dead with a cut on his forehead yesterday morning in a 15-meter deep ravine in the mountain barangay of Budlaan.

Police said Jeremy Bontilao either jumped off or fell into the ravine while he was running for his life as someone was allegedly running after him.

According to Mark Denver Simoga, 17, cousin of the victim, the latter entered their house around 3 a.m. and said: "Naa'y gagukod nako (Someone's chasing me)."

Bontilao then jumped out through the window and ran towards his house located a few meters away.

Simoga then went outside to verify if there was indeed a presence of other men as claimed by his cousin but turned out negative.

About four hours later, Bontilao's mother, Angelina, sought the assistance of Simoga and their other relatives to look for her son.

Simoga later found the victim in a ravine below the barangay road and immediately informed the barangay officials, who called the Talamban police for assistance. Re-sponding policemen found the body of Bontilao lying on his back and already in the state of rigor mortis. There was a cut on his forehead and traces of blood in his body.

The victim's cadaver was taken to Sure Life Funeral Homes along N. Bacalso Avenue and was subjected to an autopsy.

SPO1 Jay Yballe of the Homicide Section said due to influence of illegal drugs, Bontilao might have been hallucinating that someone was chasing after him.

Analyn Bontilao, 23, elder sister of the victim, confirmed that her brother is an illegal drug user. (FREEMAN)