Israeli found dead in hotel

The body of an Israeli national was found under his hotel bed, wrapped in a blanket with stab wounds in his head.

Police said Max Efergan, 75, a native of Morocco, Israel, may have been robbed first before he was killed inside room 415 of the Hallmark Hotel at the corner of Osmeña Boulevard and Colon Street in downtown Cebu City.

Cash and some of the victim’s belongings were missing.

Hotel staff discovered the dead foreigner around 7 p.m. on Tuesday after another hotel guest complained that a foul-smelling liquid was dripping from the upper floor where the victim’s room was located.

Police investigation showed that Efergen was a frequent visitor of the hotel and would stay for six months at a time when he visited for a vacation. He checked in last Jan. 2.

An autopsy will be conducted and hotel staff will be invited for further questions, said PO3 Ruth Bongo, homicide investigator.

The hotel had no security cameras that could have helped police in the investigation, said Bongo.

Room boy Ali Bermoy said he last saw Efergan last Saturday night going to his room alone although several times in the past, he had visitors, including women.

He would usually ask for ice every morning from the hotel staff but wasn’t seen by the front desk staff since Sunday.

When hotel workers checked, the door was closed but unlocked

An Israeli friend of the victim, Katz Nathan, told police the victim’s laptop, iTouch and cash were missing.

The victim’s wallet was empty with only his Immigration ID inside.

A 3310 Nokia cell phone and traveling bags were found in the room.

Nathan told investigators he was with the victim last Sunday night and that Efergan went to his room alone.

Police are coordinating with the Israeli embassy regarding the incident./WITH CORRESPONDENT JHUNNEX NAPALLACAN