UPDATE: Couple in McDo Las Pinas identified; Initial cause of death said to be ingestion of toxic substance

MANILA (UPDATED) – A couple was found dead at the parking lot of a community mall in Las Pinas Thursday night.

Police identified the couple as Juliet Escano, 51, a bank manager and her husband Jose Maria Escano, 50, sales manager of a pharmaceutical company.

Security guard Morgan Gerobise said he was doing his rounds at the parking lot of Evia Lifestyle Center, Daanghari, Almanza Dos at 7:35 p.m. when he spotted the male Escano laying unconscious on the ground behind a Toyota Innova with plate number TLQ 346.

Gerobise said he looked inside the Innova and spotted Mrs. Escano who was also unconscious.

The guard immediately asked for help from the on-duty nurse at the mall to try to revive the couple. Mrs. Escano was brought to Metro South Medical Center where she was declared dead on arrival while Mr. Escano died at Las Pinas Medical Center.

An initial forensic examination done by the Scene of the Crime Operatives revealed the cause of death as shock secondary to digestion (sic) of toxic substance.

Police are now investigating the incident.

MALL ISSUES STATEMENT

In separate statements Friday, Evia Lifestyle Center and parent company Vista Land expressed their deepest sympathies to the bereaved family.

The management of Evia Lifestyle Center said it has coordinated with the Station Investigation and Detective Management Unit of the Philippine National Police in Las Pinas. The police have already been given access to the mall’s CCTV.

Evia and Vista Land assured the public that they will extend any and all necessary help to fast-track investigation into the case.