BAYBAY CITY– A 69-year-old farmer was found dead Monday morning, Sept. 7, in an irrigation area beside a barangay gymnasium in Barangay Pangasugan, with police finding no apparent signs of foul play.
The victim, identified only as alias “Joey,” a resident of Barangay Marcos, was discovered at about 6:40 a.m. by alias “Jeff,” 52, also a farmer and a resident of the same barangay.
Police said Joey was last seen alive between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 while drinking alcohol with acquaintances in Barangay Marcos.
One of the witnesses, alias “Gab,” 49, said Joey’s family had previously advised him to avoid drinking because of his medical condition and a recent medical operation. Despite this, he continued to drink.
Gab said it was also Joey’s usual practice to sleep in a makeshift hut in Barangay Pangasugan after drinking.
Investigators said there was no information indicating that Joey had been involved in an argument or any unusual incident before his death. Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) also found no apparent signs of struggle or foul play at the scene.
His personal belongings and mountain bike were found near his body.
The victim’s family, believing that Joey may have died from natural causes related to his medical condition and recent operation, waived the conduct of an autopsy and agreed to sign the appropriate waiver.
Police said the death was initially considered possibly due to natural causes, but the final cause of death remains subject to determination by the competent medical authority.
(ELVIE ROMAN ROA)
