A seven-year-old boy died in Sta. Mesa, Manila yesterday morning after drinking cough syrup given to him by a 71-year-old neighbor who happens to be a member of a religious ministry known in the community for helping children.                                

Victim Neil John Picoc, a Grade 1 pupil, of 3551 Buenos Aires St., Sta Mesa, Manila,  died while undergoing treatment in the hospital.                                           

In his investigation, SPO1 Ramir Dimagiba of the Manila Police District-Homicide Section said Picoc felt dizzy and lost consciousness at around 10 a.m. yesterday, shortly after taking a spoonful of cough syrup given by Rodante dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz, who is said to be known in the community for constantly helping youngsters in need, was said to have noticed Picoc coughing so he told the other boys to bring the victim to him.                                                                

Shortly after taking the syrup, the victim fell unconscious, prompting Dela Cruz to summon his relative who is a nurse and who gave the boy some first aid.                  

Dela Cruz, meanwhile, voluntarily went to the police and even brought the cough syrup the boy took.    

The case is still being investigated as of this writing.    Itchie G. Cabayan