Recto’s political adviser found dead

BATANGAS, Philippines – A 67-year-old political adviser of Sen. Ralph Recto was found dead in his house in Lipa City on Thursday morning, police said.

But investigators were discounting any foul play in the death of Francisco Lardizabal, a former tourism officer of Lipa City and Batangas province, as there were no signs of struggle in his house in Barangay San Jose.

Dr. Antonio Vertido of the National Bureau of Investigation, who conducted an autopsy, confirmed that Lardizabal died of heart attack since he had no defense wounds.

Police received a phone call from Lardizabal’s househelp, Teresita Maandal, who said no one was opening the door despite her repeated knockings.

Maandal sought the help of one of Lardizabal’s boarders, Engelberto Lizardo, to forcibly open the door and they found the old man dead in the comfort room.