Police to look into death of mentally-challenged man

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Police Office has ordered for an investigation in the death of a 23-year old mentally-challenged man who went missing for three days and was found lifeless and floating in a creek in Barangay Kamputhaw, Cebu City last Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, CCPO chief, told reporters in a press conference that he already directed the Fuente Police Station, which areas of responsibility include Kamputhaw, to look into the cause of the death of Ronald Harold Diaz.

Police received information that Diaz was arrested the night before he went missing but was released the following day.

But Doria said upon verifying with Fuente police, they confirmed that Diaz had no criminal records at the precinct.

He disclosed that the unverified report on Diaz's alleged arrest came from a notorious snatcher. He said the "snatcher" has been known for inventing stories.

"Hindi lang naman 'yan ang kwento ang ginawa nya, marami pa," he added.

Police recovered Diaz's body, which was already stiff and in state of decomposition, past 11 a.m. last November 29.

Investigators responded to the area after receiving reports from residents who discovered the body. Diaz's neighbors said they noticed the foul smell coming from the creek and saw a head and foot emerging from the water, which prompted them to check and remove the garbage.

His mother burst out in tears and passed out upon seeing the body, which she identified as that of her missing son through his T-shirt and belt.

Gilberto Labrado, Diaz's first cousin, further confirmed that the dead person is his cousin. He identified Diaz through his V-neck shirt with a pocket and two disposable cups which was found near the cadaver.

He shared with the reporters that Diaz was fond of playing with same cups.

Labrado said the last time he saw his cousin inside their house was on November 26. He believed that Diaz left their house and forgot his way home.

"Di man to katood mouli og balay. Usahay mag-wild pud to," he told reporters.

Investigators are not discounting possibility that Diaz drowned when he tried to recover his cups.

Residents said some children usually swim on the creek despite its depth and being a dumping ground.

Police Officer 3 Alberto Diamante, investigator of the Homicide Section of the Cebu City Police Office, said Diaz might have been dead two days ago based on the condition of his body.

The cadaver was submitted for autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Diamante said there were no wounds found on the body or signs which would suggest that Diaz was killed. (FREEMAN)