Town worker found dead, police probe cause of death

CEBU, Philippines — A government employee was found dead in a bushy area of Sitio Ubayon, Barangay Baring, Cebu on Monday, January 27.

He was identified as Alejandro Villarba Alburo, 57, single, and a resident of Cogon East, Carmen, Cebu. He worked as a staff of the Public Information Office of the Municipality of Carmen.

Alburo was reported missing on Sunday. He was last seen in a public market in the morning of that day.

Alburo’s relatives even sought the public's help by posting on social media in finding him.

On Monday, Alburo was found dead lying facedown in a bushy area of Sitio Ubayon.

His short pants were slightly pulled down. He had wounds in his face.

Information gathered by the police indicated that Alburo had heart-related ailment and hypertension problem.

In a phone interview with Carmen Police Station chief, Police Major Robert Lucernas, he said that his office is still investigating the cause of Alburo’s death.

Lucernas said that Alburo's family has agreed to submit his body to an autopsy to find out the cause of his death.

In a separate interview, Donabel Buot of the Muncipality of Carmen said that Alburo had been working in the government for at least 20 years.

“Sauna sa Barangay and Animal Health pana siya, then na job-order na siya sa administration ni Mayor Villamor pag 2019,” she said.

Before his death, Buot said that Alburo was assigned at the town's Public Information Office. He was known to be quiet and a kind worker.

Buot said that Alburo's family will receive burial assistance, and all their expenses are being covered by Mayor Carlo Villamor. — (FREEMAN) JG