Actress's brother found dead in room

CEBU, Philippines - The brother of actress Pinky Amador was found dead inside his rented room at Samson Road, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City yesterday morning.

Manny Amador, 48, was found dead by his friend Jake Sungahid after failing to show up for work for the past four days. 

Sungahid told The FREEMAN that he had tried to reach Manny for the past days but got no reply.

Sungahid said he was supposed to visit Manny Thursday night suspecting his friend to be sick, but decided to postpone it because of heavy rain.

Early yesterday, Sungahid arrived at Manny's apartment with the door locked.

He then sought help from the apartment's landlord who forcibly broke down the room door.

Manny's body was in advanced state of decomposition.

The landlord immediately called the Cebu City Police Office homicide section for assistance at around 11:00 am.

Investigators estimated the man died 2 to 3 days ago.

Manny's body was seen sprawled near the foot of his bed wearing only boxer's shorts.

His friends and co-workers from Salonga School of Rock where he taught knew him as a very good musician.

Salonga School of Rock owner, Pia Quisido, rushed to the scene after she got word about Manny's death.

She said Manny had been suffering from hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, and this was the reason why she would always remind him to take his insulin shots, which he had to take twice a day.

Homicide investigator, SPO4 Alex Dacua had theorized that the man was using his computer when he had an attack, adding that Manny tried to stand and then fell to the floor until he eventually died.

Meanwhile, Pinky's agent, Benjamin Gabitan, told The FREEMAN the family was shocked when they heard about the news from Cebu.

"They still need to talk to the police there (in Cebu) and identify the body," Gabitan said.

He also said they have booked a flight to Cebu which will arrive not later than Sunday.

The actress however, could not release any statement because the family is in mourning.

Manny or Emmanuel Roxas Amador in real life was named as one of the 10 most influential Filipinos on the Internet.

He is one of the founders of the Philippine League for Democratic Telecommunications, Inc.

He graduated from Ateneo de Manila University.