Man’s death linked to Banco Filipino closure
MANILA, Philippines—He said he couldn’t take it anymore.
Carmino “Mike” Mangubat, 49, reportedly took his own life Tuesday, apparently in desperate straits over the closure of Banco Filipino Savings and Mortgage Bank where he was presumed to have some money deposited.
Mangubat was found lying in a pool of blood with the spent shell from a 9mm pistol and what appeared to be a suicide note.
“My life was ruined by this conflict between the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) and BF (Banco Filipino). I’m tired, I can’t eat, I can’t sleep. Goodbye and forgive me,” read the note, written in Filipino.
Case investigator Sgt. Bobby Imbo said police got a call at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday from a househelp of Alfredo Valenzuela, a doctor for whom Mangubat worked as a driver.
According to investigators, members of the household heard a gunshot. They then found Mangubat’s body in an abandoned house beside the Valenzuela home in Philam Village, Las Piñas City.
Mangubat’s wife, Edith, could not give a statement because of “intense grief.”
According to a maid, who asked not to be named, several days before his death, Mangubat repeatedly tried to call Banco Filipino but could not talk to anyone.
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)
Alternatively, you can contact Hopeline PH at the following numbers: 0917-5584673, 0918-8734673, 88044673. Additional resources are available at ngf-mindstrong.org, or connect with them on Facebook at Hopeline PH.
