Samar cop commits suicide

TACLOBAN CITY — A policeman died after shooting himself in the head in a hotel in Catarman, Northern Samar on Sunday evening.

The 27-year-old patrolman Willard Castillo, a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) assigned at the Northern Samar Police Provincial Office and a native of Capul town, was found by responding officers soaked in blood.

Police report shows that the 27-year old victim was with his father, who was checked in with him in the hotel, when he asked permission from the latter to go out to eat but immediately took out his gun and shot himself.

Investigators said the policeman used his service pistol in committing suicide at RVBD Hotel in Catarman.

It was also said that the younger Castillo had been undergoing emotional problems which could have triggered his suicide.

Castillo entered the police service in 2015 but went on leave after a few months due to depression. Earlier this year, he was accosted by roving policemen during the town fiesta when he was found walking aimlessly on the town plaza but was set free when he was able to show his ID.

PNP Catarman municipal police station says it will continue with its own investigation.