American, 73, found dead in his apartment
ILOILO CITY, Philippines — An apartment caretaker the other day found the dead body of a 73-year-old American citizen inside the latter's rented unit at Barangay Dungon-B in Jaro district of this city.
Amaziah Benyahmin Ben-Israel's body was discovered at around 9 a.m. inside his room after the caretaker forced open the unit's door when he noticed no movement inside and several knocks went unanswered.
Chief Insp. Gilbert Gorero, chief of the Jaro Police, said initial investigation showed that no superficial injury was discovered in Ben-Israel's body. "He was already dead," he said, noting further that the house was in order and that there were no signs of struggle or forcible entry to indicate foul play.
"We're not discounting the possibility of cardiac arrest as reason for his death," said Gorero, adding that the body of the US citizen will still be subjected to autopsy while authorities will contact the US Embassy in Manila for the disposition of the remains of the septuagenarian.
Ben-Israel was born in Mississippi, USA, and his last known address was Hommono, Indiana. His passport had expired since September 24, last year.
The police gathered that Ben-Israel had been living alone after his 21-year-old live-in partner from Kalibo, Aklan left him. Neighbors claimed that the woman was forced to leave him last March allegedly due to physical abuse or battery. (FREEMAN)
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