Ex-mayor’s son, partner found dead

HERMOSA, Bataan, Philippines — A son of a former mayor of this town and his live-in partner were found dead in separate areas here on Saturday.

Report said that nurse Lharlyn Belleza, 32, was the first to be found in the bedroom of a house in Barangay Mabiga, which she reportedly shared with Christian Cruz, 39, a doctor.

Belleza’s body was in a state of decomposition when found. Police said she could have been dead for four days.

Neighbors last saw Belleza entering the gate of her home on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Cruz was reportedly found unconscious in his father’s house in Barangay Palihan, located four kilometers away from Mabiga.

 Cruz was rushed to the Bataan Peninsula Medical Center in Dinalupihan, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Cruz is a son of former Hermosa mayor Efren Cruz.

The younger Cruz reportedly locked himself in the room before he was found.

Chief Inspector Joey Sampaga, town police chief, said probers have yet to determine the cause of death of the couple.

He said they received information that the couple was having financial problems. – With Ric Sapnu