MANILA, Philippines — “Mauuna na ako sa inyo (I’ll be leaving ahead of you).”

With these words, PO2 Hernani Decipulo — one of the policemen facing multiple murder charges in connection with the 2009 “Maguindanao Massacre” case — allegedly took his own life by jumping off the 4th floor of his detention center within Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Monday afternoon.

Initial investigation showed that the incident took place 4 p.m. Monday after Decipulo talked to his wife at the Quezon City Jail Annex’s rooftop, which authorities have designated as visitation area for police officers charged in the crime.

According to Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Director Rosendo Dial, Decipulo uttered what turned out to be his last words to his wife just before committing suicide.

The spouse thought that Decipulo was only kidding until the latter suddenly jumped off the building. He was rushed to the nearby Dr. J. Sabili Hospital but was declared dead on arrival due to head and body injuries.

Dial said a probe seeks to determine whether or not the victim had received any death threats prior to the incident.

Meanwhile, the prosecution called on the authorities to conduct a thorough probe on the matter especially since Decipulo is one of the 12 policemen-accused that have been set to testify against members of the Ampatuan clan — the principal suspects of the massacre.

Lawyer Nena Santos, the counsel of Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu whose wife was a massacre victim, said they are not ruling out the possibility of foul play.

“There are so many questions (regarding the suicide) like why is the rooftop open? Where is the visitors’ area located? Why there are no jail guards around? If it is true that it is a suicide then they should ask his wife if he is truly depressed or ask his cell mate and friends about his state of health prior to his death,” Santos said.

For his part, Assistant Regional State Prosecutor Peter Medalle said he would wait for the findings of the investigation team.