Japanese exec in suicide leap

A Japanese executive committed suicide yesterday by jumping from the 29th floor of a condominium building in Makati City.

The Makati Police Homicide Division identified the victim as Haaruo Kawagishi, 40, married, and president of the Okabe-Nikoh metal sheet manufacturing company located at the EPZA Processing Zone in Rosario, Cavite.

Police said the suicide took place at around 10:05 a.m. at the Grand Tower Building, L.P. Leviste Street, Salcedo Village, Makati City.

The victim, clad in denim shorts and a white T-shirt, left his room on the 7th floor and went up to the 29th floor where the swimming pool was located.

The victim’s slippers were discovered near the edge of the 29th floor structure where the police said he made his jump.

Kawagishi died on the spot from the impact of the fall. he landed on the San Agustin Street side of the building. An inspection of the room conducted by police revealed a suicide note dated Sept. 10, handwritten in Japanese and addressed to the victim’s wife and father-in-law.

"To my wife, be happy. To my father-in-law, I’m very sorry," the note said.

Police said the victim might have had financial problems. the company is owned by the victim’s father-in-law who is based in Japan. – Marvin Sy