A 45-year-old man collapsed and died outside a barangay hall in Mangaldan, Pangasinan days after he was treated in a hospital for a head injury linked to an altercation, police said.

Police said the man had just been discharged from the hospital and went to the barangay hall in Barangay Bari for a scheduled meeting with the other party in the altercation incident when he collapsed.

Authorities said the man was involved in a scuffle on January 29, 2026 where he tried to stop a fight but was allegedly hit on the head with a chain. He was taken to a hospital and discharged the following day.

The suspect who allegedly struck the victim with a chain was arrested during hot pursuit but was released later due to lack of evidence that would link him to the victim’s death.

Mangaldan police chief, Lt. Colonel Perlito Tuayon, said required medical documents were not submitted, prompting the prosecutor to release the suspect.

“Dahil po ‘yung mga medical requirements na needed po na para po sana sa kaso ay hindi po nabigay sa amin kaya na-release po siya ng piskal,” Tuayon said.

Police said it remains unclear whether the victim’s collapse and death were connected to the head injury.

GMA Regional TV News went to the barangay hall to seek comment from barangay officials but found no one available at the time. Relatives of the victim were also not present at the funeral home, where the body was brought, as they were processing documents to claim the remains.

Police said the investigation into the incident is ongoing.