By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Outgoing Cagayan de Oro Rep. Benjo Benaldo was found with a gunshot wound to the chest in his office at the House of Representatives on Thursday night and was rushed to New Era hospital in Quezon City, according to Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr.
Benaldo, who lost in the last election, is the husband of Brazilian model and actress Daiana Menezes. They reportedly married in Las Vegas last December.
Menezes had already rushed to his side, a report said. Belmonte said he saw the two talking.
A highly placed source from the House said Benaldo apparently attempted to commit suicide in his fifth-floor office at the Batasang Pambansa compound.
Belmonte could not categorically explain the reason behind the congressman’s action.
Menezes days earlier posted mysterious messages on her social networking sites that appeared to be allegations of physical abuse.
The couple later came out on TV saying they had fought “because of love.â€
In a television interview, Belmonte said Benaldo was alone in his office when the shot was fired. The Speaker had rushed to the hospital after learning of the incident.
Later, in a radio interview, Belmonte said that when the shot was heard from Benaldo’s office, his staff rushed in and saw him sitting by his desk, bleeding. A pistol was on the table.
As of Thursday night, Benaldo was conscious and appeared to be doing well, Belmonte said.
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