An independent mayoral candidate in Zamboanga City was found dead inside his house in Barangay Tumaga.

The 80-year-old mayoral candidate, Orlando San Luis Negrete, Sr., was found lifeless sitting on a chair.

According to the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), members of the Mindanao Militia – a group of force multipliers in the city – had been unable to reach Negrete for four days before his body was discovered.

Negrete was the chairman of the group.

It was also found that Negrete had been living alone in his home.

“Initially, nakita nila na ito si Sir Orlando nakaupo siya sa loob ng garahe and under the state of decomposition na. Four days prior (bago) na-discover yung katawan niya, tinatawagan siya ng mga kasama niya and hindi din sinasagot yung tawag kaya pumunta sa bahay para tingnan,” ZCPO Spokesperson, Lt. Col. Paul Andrew Cortes, said.

ZCPO said Negrete may have died of natural causes.

“Initially, wala tayong nakitang may mga struggle doon na nakita yung bangkay ni (Negrete) na nakaupo lang talaga siya. Walang nakitang nawala doon sa bahay. According din sa pamilya, itong si (Negrete), na-diagnose na rin with hypertension and umiinom na rin ito ng maintenance,” Cortes added.

GMA Regional TV One Mindanao is reaching out to the family of Negrete, as of this writing.

Investigation into the incident continues.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said Negrete could not be substituted as he was running as an independent candidate.

“The late Orlando Negrete ran as an independent candidate for the mayoralty position, considering he is an independent candidate, he cannot be substituted. Only those with political parties can be substituted in the event of disqualification or death,” Zamboanga City Election Officer, Atty. Jan Christian Babiera, said.