Man found hanging in mental hospital

MANILA, Philippines—A man allegedly suffering from a mental disorder was found hanging from a nylon strap Monday morning at the National Center for Mental Health in Mandaluyong City, police said.

Police identified the fatality Daniel Aresgado, 28, a resident of Parañaque City.

Aresgado was said to have been recently diagnosed with "undifferentiated schizophrenia."

Senior Police Officer 4 Reyminigildo Suarez, chief investigator of Mandaluyong police, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the victim was first discovered by a nurse doing the rounds at 5:15 am.

Suarez said Aresgado was seen hanging from a nylon strap, which he unfastened from the bed and then tied to the upper grill of the window.

Aresgado was still breathing when found but hospital doctors failed to revive him. He was pronounced dead around 6 a.m.

A hospital official, who refused to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said the victim had been experiencing hallucinations and delusions.

The hospital official said Aresgado was an outpatient of the center but had not shown any suicidal tendencies.

The victim was admitted to the hospital only on Sunday.

Police are still trying to determine whether the man committed suicide or there was foul play. (report from Nina Calleja, Philippine Daily Inquirer)