Robbery suspect hangs himself inside stockade

CEBU, Philippines - A 28-year-old robbery suspect reportedly committed suicide at the Aloguinsan Police Station on Monday.

Renante Villarta Rieza, of Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City, was found hanging inside the stockade of the station by PO1 Ronel Gantuangco, who conducted an early morning inspection.

Rieza used a blanket which he tied around his neck with the other end tied to the grill.

He was taken to the Pinamungajan District Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival by Dr. Feleus Bascon.

Insp. Jaime Tolentino, Aloguinsan Police Station chief, told The FREEMAN they even called Dr. Lyndon Villegas, the municipal health officer, to conduct an autopsy.

He confirmed that the victim died of asphyxia, ruling out foul play in the incident.

Rieza was arrested on Friday for allegedly robbing Maria Victoria de la Cerna of P6,930 cash and gold necklace worth P6,000.

Report said he introduced himself as Rey Rosales but his live-in partner, Catherine Misa, revealed his real identify. His second live-in partner, Janice Francisco, also confirmed his real identity

 Tolentino said De la Cerna was walking when Rieza, on board a Honda motorcycle, stopped and pointed a .357 revolver at her.

After the robbery, De la Cerna called the police who immediately made a roadblock and arrested Rieza.

Police recovered the De la Cerna’s items and the revolver of the suspect.

Tolentino said Rieza’s fear of facing criminal case may have pushed him to commit suicide. The case was supposed to be filed on the day he hung himself. – (FREEMAN)