American found dead in uptown hotel

CEBU, Philippines - An American national was found dead in his room at the Richmond Plaza Hotel in Barangay Camputhaw, Cebu City yesterday morning.

Hotel personnel found Garett Patrick Motely, 55, at 6 a.m. with a cord around his neck, the other end tied to the ceiling. Immediately, they sought the assistance of the Tourist Action Center of the Cebu City Police Office and the Fuente Police Station.

When members of the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation arrived, Motely was no longer responsive.

Initial investigation by the police showed no sign of foul play as Motely sustained no external injury and the things in the room were in their proper place.

Aside from the 129-centimeter long cord, personnel of the PNP Scene of the Crime Operatives also recovered Motley’s passport, two surfboards, a wallet but without cash, assorted documents, Xenon DVD player, clothing and personal belongings of the victim.

They also recovered an eviction notice dated April 7, 2014, which indicates Motely’s payables to the hotel amounting to P13,346.45.

Police said the hotel management has advised Motley to transfer to another hotel because of his unsettled payments, but Motley reportedly asked to be allowed to stay for another day.

Originally from New York, USA, Motely reportedly arrived in the Philippines in August last year. His remains were brought to the Cebu Rolling Hills Memorial Chapels for autopsy. – (FREEMAN)