DAVAO CITY (December 29) —A single employee of the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) was found dead in an apparent suicide at around 2:00 p.m. on December 21, 2025, in Purok 5, Barangay Sayog, San Miguel, Zamboanga del Sur.
The victim was identified as Ronald Undaloc, 30, a resident of the area.
According to his father, Leonardo Undaloc, 63, Ronald, who was originally from Dipolog City had earlier attended a party. Upon returning home, the elder Undaloc noticed that his son appeared restless and agitated, at one point pulling out electrical wires inside the house while expressing alarming statements that suggested self-harm.
Concerned for his safety, the family kept a close watch on Ronald. However, moments later, they realized he was no longer within their sight. Family members, together with neighbors, immediately conducted a search around the community.
A neighbor later spotted Ronald riding a carabao near a mango tree. When they approached the area, they discovered that he had already hanged himself using a rope and was no longer alive.
The Undaloc family said they were shocked and devastated by the incident, especially as it occurred just days before Christmas. They shared that Ronald had not expressed any personal problems prior to the incident.
The family is now preparing for a nine-day wake so relatives and friends may pay their last respects.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or having thoughts of self-harm, help is available. In the Philippines, you may contact the National Center for Mental Health (NCMH) Crisis Hotline at 1553 (landline), 0966-351-4518, 0908-639-2672, or 0917-899-8727 (USAP). Assistance is available 24/7.
Authorities are continuing to document the incident.-Paul Palacio
