UP lab assistant found dead at campus track

MANILA, Philippines—A man was found dead with a bullet wound in the head at the athletic track of the University of the Philippines campus in Quezon City Wednesday night, the police said.

Moises Amelito Pancho, a laboratory assistant at the UP College of Engineering, allegedly killed himself with an improvised gun at the outdoor oval track behind the Bahay ng Alumni on Wednesday evening.

Case investigator PO2 Alvin Quisimbing said they have yet to rule out foul play although relatives of the victim told authorities Pancho was heard arguing with his wife hours before his death.

Pancho, 34 and a resident of Kristong Hari St. in the sprawling campus’ Dagohoy area, was already dead when discovered by watchman Rositilo Holoyohoy at around 10:15 p.m. Wednesday.

The athletic track is located along Balagtas St. and surrounded by grassy portions of land.

Found beside the victim’s body was an improvised pen gun, which Pancho might have used to take his own life.

In his account to police, the security watchman first thought that Pancho was merely drunk or was a robbery victim until he noticed the blood on the victim’s head.

Pancho’s father, Basilio, said he does not know anyone with a motive to kill his son but noted that before the incident, he heard his son arguing with his wife.