TACLOBAN CITY– A 57-year-old Dutch national allegedly committed suicide by burning first his resort and then shot himself dead using a short firearm in Inopacan, Leyte Wednesday (October 26).
Police identified the victim as Gerard Von Boven, married, a resident of Barangay Conalum, Inopacan, and owner of Bamboo Beach Resort in the said barangay.
Initial investigation disclosed that police and Bureau of Fire Department (BFP) personnel responded to a fire incident at the victim’s resort at about 5:42 am Wednesday.
After authorities declared a fire-out at about 8:48 a.m., they were able to find the victim in a partially burnt room of the resort.
Boven was seen lying on the ground unconscious and with wounds on the right portion of his head.
“He shot himself using a short firearm which was recovered beside his body,” police said in the report.
Authorities found a caliber .38 revolver with marking (Colt Positive) with five live ammunition.
“The said victim was living alone at the said resort,” police added.
The victim was brought to Baybay Hospital for immediate medical treatment but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.
Police are investigating the incident.
(RONALD O. REYES)
