Physician dies from fall in building basement

MANILA, Philippines - An 81-year-old doctor died yesterday morning after allegedly falling into an opening leading to the basement of a Sta. Cruz, Manila building in which his clinic is located.

Police said the body of Nestor Figueras – an eye, ear, nose and throat specialist – was discovered beside a water pump at the basement of the Independent Investment building along Tabora street after he was reported missing by his secretary and live-in partner, 57-year-old Emerita Saraton.

Figueras occupied a clinic at the second floor of the building and Saraton said he left ahead of her to go to the building’s garage.

Teodoro Tumampo Jr., 58, the building maintenance man, told police he went down the basement after the water pump malfunctioned. To reach the basement, one has to pass through a small uncovered opening at the ground floor using a ladder.

Tumampo said when he saw the figure of a man slumped beside the water pump, he immediately reported his findings to the barangay officials. Police Officer 3 Ritchie Caligagan said the doctor was already dead, with blood oozing from a wound on the left part of his head when found.

“The victim could have either slipped or suffered a seizure as he passed by the hole and fell on his way to the garage,” Caligagan said.

Police ruled out foul play since the victim’s gun and his wallet containing more than P19,000 were intact. The body will be subjected to an autopsy to determine the real cause of death, according to Caligagan.