Pag-IBIG employee jumps off from bldg

CEBU, Philippines — A 24-year-old accounting staff of the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG) leapt to his death from the 12th floor of their building along Siquijor Road, Barangay Luz, Cebu City at 6:37 a.m. yesterday.

The police identified the victim as Anthony Ang, single, who is temporarily residing along Arcilla Street, Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City, but is a native of Biliran Province.

Senior Police Officer 3 Antonio Din, who is an investigator from the Mabolo Police Station, said the building security guard called them after the victim was seen jumping off from the 12th floor of the building.

He died on the spot.

Din said that the victim’s mother informed them that the victim had a family problem which prompted him to end his life. The mother, however, did not elaborate.

Din also said that they have considered the suicide incident closed after they have determined through the closed-circuit television cameras that there was no foul play involved in Ang’s death.

Rowena Lao, who heads the Short Term Loan Division, described Ang as a good and a quiet type of person.

Lao said they never thought that Ang would kill himself, as they even intend to find him after the victim did not show up for work last Monday and Tuesday.

Lao added that even if Ang was the quiet type of person, he would still mingle and engage his peers. Ang joined Pag-IBIG in April this year.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, for his part, has expressed his sadness over the cases of suicide probably because the victims thought they are alone and that killing would end their misery.

Palma added that those who committed suicide and those who are planning to do the same need prayers.

He said they are not alone, as there are several organizations that are willing to listen and help.

On top of that, their family members are with them in their ordeal.

Palma also urged the youth to reach out to their peers and help those whom they think are burdened with life. — GAN (FREEMAN)