3 men found dead in city, Minglanilla

CEBU, Philippines - A 21-year-old jeepney driver was found dead at a hilly portion in Barangay Sapangdaku at 7 a.m. yesterday.

Arquilardo Yucot, 40, told the police that he was carrying washed clothes uphill when he spotted the body of Gerwin Bacalan. He immediately informed his wife about what he saw and they subsequently informed the barangay officials.

Sergio Torres, a friend of the victim, told the police that they were drinking with other friends the other night when the victim went ahead around 3 a.m.

Liezl Secuya, the victim’s aunt, turned over Bacalan’s mobile phone to the police. One of the messages in the phone reportedly contained a suicide note, which was saved in the ‘drafts’ folder. In the message, Bacalan apologized to his parents and hoped that his father and siblings would settle their differences.

Bacalan’s remains were submitted for autopsy to determine whether or not there was foul play involved.

Apart from a small bruise on the left side of his forehead, no other external wound was found on Bacalan’s body.

In Barangay Labangon, another man was found dead inside his house at 1 a.m. yesterday. Leo Acruz, 34, was found hanging dead from the ceiling.

Ganny Omar, 25, told the police that he went to the victim’s house supposedly to invite him to some drinks, but when he opened the door to the house, all the lights were off and Acruz was already dead.

Omar said he immediately informed their friends and the victim’s brother about what he saw.

Acruz’ elder brother, Ricky, said his brother had been using shabu and was having problems with his work and lovelife.

Meanwhile, in Minglanilla town, an 88-year-old man who was suffering from a lung disease was found dead at the highway in Barangay Calajoan at 1 p.m. yesterday. The man was identified as Alfredo Jimenez, 88, a widower, and a native of San Fernando, Cebu.

According to PO2 Avelino Selliora of the Minglanilla Police Station, Jimenez had gone to the Minglanilla District Hospital in the morning for consultation. He was suffering from tuberculosis.

At 1 p.m., a resident of Calajoan found the old man sprawled on the ground by the road. The old man’s body was brought to the Minglanilla District Hospital. — (FREEMAN)