Guilt-stricken man commits suicide

A man in Sta. Cruz, Manila hanged himself yesterday after being overcome by guilt for abandoning his family.

Police said Dennis Talag, estimated to be in his early 30s, committed suicide after a quarrel with his common-law wife Margarita Ybañez.

Talag left a handwritten note in his pocket, asking his children for forgiveness for abandoning them. He also asked God for forgiveness and asked his family to pray for his soul.

Police are investigating his death just to make sure there was no foul play.

Investigators said Ybañez left the house after having a big fight with Talag. She later came back and found Talag hanging from the ceiling with a nylon rope around his neck.

A note written in Filipino was found in Talag’s pocket. "I am so tired in my heart. I can’t bear these problems anymore," it read. "To my children, forgive me for neglecting you. Time will come when you will understand me. I love you very, very much." – Nestor Etolle