PITOGO, ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR — A 48-year-old man was found dead inside his residence in Barangay Poblacion, Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur, on October 3, 2026, prompting police and health authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
The man, identified only as alias “Jun,” was found unresponsive inside his room at around 7:30 a.m., according to the initial report.
Initial investigation showed that a family member had earlier discovered the victim unresponsive inside his room at around 11 p.m. on October 2. Concerned relatives immediately sought assistance, leading personnel of the Pitogo Municipal Police Station and the Municipal Health Office to respond to the residence.
Upon arrival, authorities found the man already deceased. The attending municipal health officer also observed injuries around the victim’s neck, prompting authorities to recommend a formal autopsy to establish the exact cause and circumstances of death.
Police said the victim had reportedly expressed feelings of hopelessness before the incident. However, authorities have not made a definitive determination that a mental health condition was the cause of death, stressing the need for proper examination and investigation.
A formal autopsy was recommended by authorities, but the victim’s family declined the procedure and signed a waiver. The remains were subsequently released to the family for appropriate arrangements and burial.
Authorities have yet to establish a definitive cause of death based solely on the initial findings. The case remains subject to proper documentation and investigation by the concerned authorities.