Body of PCG officer fished out of Manila Bay

MANILA, Philippines — A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) officer who initially tested positive for coronavirus infection last week was found floating in Manila Bay yesterday morning.

The body of Petty Officer 2 Richard Gonzales, 38, a crew member of BRP Corregidor, was fished out in the waters of Pier 13, South Harbor, Port Area at past 6 a.m., according to Manila Police District homicide chief Capt. Henry Navarro.

Navarro said there were no signs of foul play.

Gonzales was last seen by his colleagues on Wednesday night, police said.

Gonzales’ colleagues said they noticed that he became depressed after he reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 on Aug. 16.

Gonzales was taken to the Eva Macapagal quarantine facility where he was isolated.

After several days, he underwent another swab test that turned out he was cleared of the virus.

Gonzales returned to BRP Corregidor, where he was isolated inside his cabin.

Navarro said depression could have driven the PCG officer to take his own life.