By CESAR JOLITO III

Two separate suicide cases were reported in Negros Occidental — one each in the cities of Sipalay and San Carlos — both allegedly connected to depression, police said.

In Sipalay, a 55-year-old backhoe operator was found lifeless inside his home in Purok Guaper, Barangay Cartagena, around 3:00 a.m. on October 16.

The victim, who was employed at a construction firm, was discovered by his son hanging from a rope tied to a wooden truss in their room.

Police investigators said the victim had reportedly been struggling with depression after a legal case was filed against him.

His remains were brought to a funeral home.

Meanwhile, in San Carlos, a 17-year-old boy was discovered dead inside their house at Phase 8, Urban, Barangay Rizal, at 4:45 p.m. on October 15.

The teenager was found by his mother hanging from a bamboo truss using a scarf.

According to the San Carlos City police, the victim had been experiencing emotional distress, reportedly due to his older brother’s prolonged absence from home.

The body was turned over to a funeral parlor, while a post-mortem examination was requested by the City Health Office./CJ, WDJ