Irked by partner's Internet chatting, man hangs self

CEBU, Philippines - A man hanged himself reportedly because of jealousy over his live-in partner’s constant internet chatting.

Dara Nes Ortiz, 40, found her live-in partner Romel Serra, 39, hanging in their room when she went home at 10 p.m. at their house in Sitio Lutaw-lutaw, Barangay Sto Niño, Cebu City.

Serra had a nylon rope tied around his neck.

Ortiz sought help from her housemates who called for police assistance.

One of the responding police officers, PO1 Meyrick Tabalanza of the Waterfront Police, cut the rope but he was no longer breathing.

Ortiz narrated that at about 2 p.m. the day before the incident, she was playing computer games when the victim angrily confronted and accused her of having a lover over the internet.

She also said that Serra used to threaten her that he will kill himself if she did not stop chatting.

In another incident, a former security guard was shot dead on his way home yesterday at Sitio Lumban, Barangay Guadalupe, Cebu City.

Alfonso Blanco, 40, was walking from the market when an unidentified gunman shot him from behind. He died at around 7 p.m. from the gunshot wound at the back of the head.

Investigation revealed that the assailant was apparently following Blanco. The gunman, who witnesses said was wearing a black shirt, ran towards Caballes Compound.

Police said Blanco was recently involved in an argument with a frat member whom he punched. Also, according to his neighbors, Blanco often caused trouble when he was drunk.

Recovered from the crime scene was Blanco’s cellular phone, wallet, silver bracelet and a plastic of bangus (milk fish). — (FREEMAN)