American found dead in apartment

CEBU, Philippines - An American national was found dead at an apartment in Barangay Kamputhaw late Thursday night.

The body of William Westman Buchman, 53, of California, USA, was already in a state of decomposition when found past 11 pm.

Initial examination on the body found no external injuries that may suggest foul play, said SPO1 Geoffrey Gutual of the Homicide Section.

Everything inside the victim’s room was also in place, thus dismissing the possibility that someone barged inside and killed the foreigner, Gutual further said.

Still, the body will be subjected to an autopsy to determine the real cause of death.

During on the spot investigation at Buchman’s rented room, the foreigner was found lying naked on his back on the bed.

The victim’s death was discovered after one of the tenants, Raphael Fegura II, 25, noticed foul odor and fluid on the floor coming from Buchman’s room. He then called the police for assistance.

Gutual said a letter dated August 12, 2013 addressed to the Commissioner of Immigration and written by Buchman was among the things found in the victim’s room. The letter, which starts with Buchman introducing himself, indicates his “grave financial circumstance.” He has reportedly been in the Philippines since November last year.

“Quite literally I am destitute and am currently surviving thanks to the assistance landed to me by strangers,” part of the hand-written letter reads.

Another letter was also found, presumably the response to Buchman’s letter, telling the latter to wait for the action of the Philippine Government, which may take several weeks.

“In regard to your request for deferment of your outstanding fees, we cannot proceed in booking for your flight back to the US without the waiver coming from their office,” the letter from the Special Consular Services Assistant of the US Embassy reads.

Police also found a US passport with the victim’s name, official receipt of purchased medicines, hospital bills, several pieces of papers where contact numbers are written, and P34 in the room.

Buchman’s remains lie at the Cebu Rolling Hills Memorial Chapel in Mandaue City. — (FREEMAN)