Trader commits suicide on EDSA

The body of a trader was crushed and cut into pieces after being dragged for at least 10 meters by speeding vehicles in an apparent suicide on EDSA in Mandaluyong City yesterday.

Responding policemen said the body of Pepito Ignite, of Riverside 2, Cainta, Rizal, was crushed beyond recognition when they recovered it along the southbound lane of EDSA Crossing at 1:45 p.m.

Ignite’s identity was determined through a residence certificate he was carrying.

The victim’s family remains at a loss as to why the trader decided to end his life.

Superintendent Ericsion Velasquez, Mandaluyong City police chief, said a witness saw Ignite jump off the flyover on EDSA Crossing.

When Ignite landed on the highway, speeding vehicles, including a 10-wheeler truck and a public utility bus, dragged his body several meters, Velasquez said.

"Beyond recognition na. Hiwa-hiwalay ang ilang parte ng katawan niya ng matagpuan," the Mandaluyong police chief said.

Police officers recovered Ignite’s slippers at the flyover.

In a TV interview, Ignite’s wife claimed the victim left their house last Thursday night to fetch their son in Cubao, Quezon City.

They became worried when he failed to come home by midnight.

The wife learned of her husband’s suicide when TV news crews were able to trace the victim’s family in Cainta.

"Wala rin kaming alam na dahilan para kitilin niya ang kanyang buhay," she said.

However, she admitted that Ignite, who was engaged in vegetables business , had been depressed during the past few days.

"Matamlay siya nitong mga nagdaang araw pero hindi naman niya sinasabi sa akin and problema niya," the wife said. – Non Alquitran