Cagayan de Oro City — A retired police executive master sergeant was found dead, believed to have taken his own life, inside his house in Barangay 23 shortly before dawn on Friday.

Police Lt. Col. Evan Viñas of the Cagayan de Oro Police Office (COCPO) confirmed the incident but withheld the victim's identity at the family’s request.

“His partner requested to withhold his name until his parents in Bohol are notified,” Viñas stated.

Initial reports said the victim’s partner discovered him hanging near the stairs and called the police.

The retired officer, who previously worked at the Police Community Affairs Office, had retired two years ago. 

He was last seen alive on Thursday evening and reported dead by his partner on Friday morning.

Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) estimated that the death occurred shortly before dawn. 

Police are still investigating the possible motive for the suicide.