Woman takes poison in front of partner during fight over finances

MANILA, Philippines – A woman killed herself by drinking a bottle of a powerful silver polish in front of her live-in partner during an argument in their Quezon City home over money problems, police said Saturday.

Police Officer 2 Julius Balbuena, case investigator, said Raymart Ong tried to save his common-law-wife, Reynalyn Paragas, 20, by rushing her to a nearby hospital after she drank the poison late Friday afternoon, but it was too late.

Balbuena said the couple, who lived on P. Florentino Street in Barangay (village) Sto. Domingo and had two children, argued frequently over their financial problems.

Ong, a mechanic, told investigators they had another argument around 5:20 p.m. Friday during which his wife complained about having a hard time making both ends meet.

He said he noticed she was holding a bottle of silver polish but did not pay much attention to it until, in a swift motion, she swallowed its contents in one gulp.

Unable to stop his wife, Ong then tried to save her life by rushing her to the Sta. Teresita Hospital, where she died, the investigator 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)

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.