Man killed by train made sign of the cross before impact

MANILA, Philippines–A still unidentified man died after he was run over by a Philippine National Railways (PNR) train in what the police believe may be a case of suicide.

Supt. Joel Villanueva, head of the Jose Abad Santos police station, said the incident happened at 6 p.m. Sunday on the railroad tracks on Yuseco Street in Tondo, Manila.

PNR crossing keeper Eric Zaragosa told the police that he saw the victim making the sign of the cross before laying down on the tracks as the PNR train headed for Alabang approached the area.

The police described the man, whose body was torn into pieces by the train, as between 30 and 35 years old, with brown complexion, of slim build and between 5’4” and 5’6” in height.

Villanueva said they have yet to identify the victim because no relatives have come forward to claim his body.–Maricar B. Brizuela

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.