Man found dead in hotel room

CEBU, Philippines – A man was found dead at a hotel along Escario Street, Cebu City last Friday.

He was identified as Teodoro Jabagat, 28, based on the identification cards recovered from among his belongings.

Initial investigation showed Jabagat checked in last Thursday and was supposed to check out afternoon the following day. When he failed to do so, a member of the hotel staff was sent to his room on the 11th floor but a knock on the door was left unanswered.

After learning of the situation, the hotel manager went to Jabagat’s room and knocked three times but Jabagat remained unresponsive.

The manager then pried the door open and found out that Jabagat had locked it with the chain. When the manager picked the chain lock, a piece of paper fell to the floor. Based on the manager’s assessment, the text appeared to be a suicide note so he called the attention of the hotel’s general manager, security, and nurse.

They eventually decided to open the door forcibly but found it empty. They subsequently checked the restroom and it was there that they found Jabagat in the bath tub, unmoving. The hotel doctor who checked him found no vital signs.

The cause of death remained unclear and police said the body will be subjected to autopsy if the family permits.

Jabagat’s remains were brought to the Cebu Rolling Hills Memorial Chapel in Mandaue City. —/JMO (FREEMAN)