Taxman kills self over money problems

MANILA, Philippines - An employee of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) shot himself in the head over money problems in his home in Barangay San Isidro, Quezon City yesterday.

Police identified the victim as Jonathan Varilla, 35, who worked as a revenue officer at the collection department of the BIR’s Las Piñas City office.

Police Officer 3 Modestino Juanson said Varilla may have killed himself because of unresolved money problems.

Housemaid Beatriz Rivera said she heard a gunshot coming from the master’s bedroom on the second floor of the house. Rivera told investigators she initially ignored the sound, thinking it was only a firecracker.

Rivera, along with househelpers Jeffrey Iranga and Michael Jaime, later decided to check the master’s bedroom and they found Varilla’s body on the bed at around 7:15 a.m. yesterday.

A suicide note written in Ilocano, purported written by Varilla, was found near his body. “Please cremate me because I have done many wrongs against Mama and Papa,” the note stated.

Police said they have not ruled out foul play – the note has been sent to experts for document analysis .

A 9mm Glock pistol, a spent shell, and a magazine loaded with 14 bullets were found in the room.