Beggar’s body remains unclaimed

An unidentified beggar who was seriously injured in a vehicular accident in Makati City died Tuesday while undergoing treatment at the Makati Medical Center.

His body remains unclaimed at the Veronica Funeral Homes in Pasay. Monsignor Jose Clemente Ignacio, parish priest and rector of the National Shrine of the Sacred Heart in San Antonio Village, Makati, and his parishioners are hoping that the man still has relatives who would give him a decent burial.

The man was at the church nearly everyday, attending Mass when not begging for alms, said parishioner Adelia Acuña.

She described him to be 5’2"- 5’4" tall, slim, and in his early 50s.

Acuña said the man was reportedly sideswiped after two vehicles collided at the intersection of Kamagong and Sacred Heart (formerly Dao) Streets, near the church at around 9 a.m. last July 15. Bystanders immediately rushed him to the hospital.

A check with the Makati Traffic Management office confirmed the accident.

Mnsgr. Ignacio may be reached at the parish office at telephone number 895-6331. – Nikko Dizon