Poll officer leaps to death in mall
An election assistant of Tuburan Comelec office was killed after he jumped from the third floor of a shopping mall in Cebu City past 1 p.m. yesterday.
Rodrigo Delos Santos Maglasang, a native of Palompon, Leyte, was declared dead on arrival when he was brought to a hospital in Mandaue City by responding Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) personnel.
Based on initial investigation, Maglasang appeared to have jumped from the third floor of the mall to the lower ground floor.
Cebu City Police Office Homicide Section is also investigating the area where the incident took place.
A statement relayed by the management of the mall read:
“There was an incident involving a male customer. He was attended to immediately and given medical attention by our Emergency Response Team. After which, he was rushed to the nearby hospital accompanied by mall personnel. A joint investigation with the local PNP is ongoing.”
Maglasang, a licensed engineer, has been working at the Comelec for nine years. He was first assigned in Alcantara town then to Toledo City, and now in Tuburan Comelec office as election assistant.
Senior Police Officer 2 Wetzel Berry said Maglasang's brother, Alvin, describes him as a person who likes to keep things to himself and is considered a “loner.”
However, Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Lionel Castillano has a different opinion about Maglasang whom he had known personally.
"Dili man na siya ingon nga loner kay makigstorya man na siya sa ubang mga tawo. Panagsa ra hinuon na siya maari sa opisina kay kasagaran tua man na siya sa Tuburan," he told The FREEMAN.
According to Castillano, Maglasang took an official leave of absence from work for three weeks. He was hospitalized in Ormoc City due to a pulmonary problem. Maglasang just arrived in Cebu City yesterday to return to work today.
Asked if there could be foul play involved in Maglasang's death in light of the recent issue on contested mayoral race election results, Castillano said it is unlikely.
"Ang iya is clerical work ra. Gawas kung election officer kay makapagduda ta. Kanang sa Tuburan, wala man na ma-known nga ang Comelec ilang hilabtan. Gawas ana, dili pud siya decisionmaker. I don't think nga related sa Tuburan (issue)," Castillano said.
He added that although he is not convinced that it is electionrelated, he will still wait for police findings.
FAMILY'S PLEA
The family of Maglasang is seeking assistance from the office of the Provincial Election Supervisor so they can bring his remains to his hometown in Palompon, Leyte.