MANILA, Philippines — The body of a homeless elderly man was found on the pavement in Port Area, Manila, on Sunday morning when concerned residents offered him food only to realize he was already dead.
The initial investigation conducted by the Manila Police District (MPD) said that there were no external injuries found on the victim’s body.
Witnesses also told the police that they did not notice if the man had showed any symptoms of the new coronavirus disease before his death.
His body was taken to Funeraria Cruz in Santa. Cruz for autopsy, while the case was turned over to the MPD Homicide Division.
While there have been efforts from the local government and the private sector to provide temporary shelters for the homeless amid the pandemic, only a limited number of street dwellers can be taken in due to the lack of resources and the need to maintain social distancing.
—MEG ADONIS