Japanese dies after "choking on bread"

CEBU, Philippines - The bible says man shall not live by bread alone, but a piece of bread was cited as reason for the death of a 69-year-old Japanese national inside his house in Sto. Tomas Village, Barangay Tuburan Sur, Danao City.

Hirotaka Kato was found sitting on a chair at their dining area at about 6:00 in the evening last Thursday, with pieces of bread on his plate.

Chief Insp. Ricky Delilis, Danao city police chief, said it was Kato’s live-in partner, 27-year-old Revelyn Rica, who saw Kato sitting motionless on his chair.

She approached and called him but got no response. This prompted her to check. She then found that Kato was no longer breathing.

Delilis said Rica no longer took Kato to the hospital because she was convinced he was already dead.

“Dahil na rin sa layo ng lugar nila medyo matatagal rin ang pagdala sa victim sa hospital,” the police chief said.

The police will conduct an autopsy to check for signs of foul play.

Delilis added that Kato lives with Rica and their five-year-old son as well as Rica’s teenage relative.

The police learned that Kato was suffering from high blood pressure.

“Kung i-compare ko siya before at ngayon base a family picture nila, malaki ang ipinayat niya,” Delilis said.

Delilis believes that Kato choked when eating the bread.

“Weak na kasi siya umiihi na nga siya sa shorts niya pero kung meron man foul play may mga lamat naman siguro,” he added.

Kato had lived in Danao City for about seven years. (FREEMAN)