Austrian’s death in Davao del Sur raises questions for cops

BANSALAN, Philippines—Police authorities said they have decided to investigate further the death of an Austrian national to determine if it was indeed suicide as it appeared to be.

The body of Ernesto Rossi, 45, of Bregenz City in Austria, was found hanging on a chain by his Filipino wife inside their house in Sitio (subvillage) Bolhoon in Barangay (village) Buenavista here around 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 14.

Senior Insp. Jeffrey Latayada, the town police chief, said Rossi’s wife, Teresa, had told police she and her relatives rushed Rossi to the Centeno Medical Hospital here.

But Latayada said Teresa told police Rossi died at 5:25 p.m. while being treated at the medical facility.

“We are trying to determine if there was no foul play,” he said.

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please reach out to the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH). Their crisis hotlines are available at 1553 (Luzon-wide landline toll-free), 0917-899-USAP (8727), 0966-351-4518, and 0908-639-2672. For more information, visit their website: (https://doh.gov.ph/NCMH-Crisis-Hotline)

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