Teen quarrels with girlfriend, kills self

MANILA, Philippines - A 17-year-old burger stand worker took her life after a spat with her reported girlfriend in Tondo, Manila yesterday.

Charmaine Elvira Villarba allegedly argued with her co-worker Maricar Gaston, 19, in the house of their employer, Police Officer 3 Bernardo Cayabyab said.

He said after the quarrel, Villarba went into one of the rooms in the house and drank “silver cleaner,” a chemical used to clean jewelry. Gaston said she saw the victim lying on the floor and took her to the Gat Andres Bonifacio Hospital, where Villarba was pronounced dead.

Gaston told police the victim wanted to find a better-paying job but she did not want to go with her. She said Villarba resented her decision.