BACOLOD CITY - Policemen are looking into the alleged failed illegal drug transaction as the possible motive behind the brutal killing of a couple in Negros Oriental over the weekend.
The victims were identified by police on Thursday, Feb. 24, as Jennifer Garzola, 27 of Binalbagan town, and her live-in partner Robby Batalla, 34, of Hinigaran town, both from Negros Occidental.
Police Maj. Nelson Lamoco, Sibulan town police chief, said that upon checking the background of the couple, they learned that Garzola was previously jailed for a drug offense, while Batalla had previous cases related to illegal drugs and robbery.
The couple was found dead in Barangay San Antonio, Sibulan town on Feb. 20.
Limaco said it is possible that the couple was a victim of “summary execution” considering the number of stab wounds they sustained and their situation when found.
Lamoco even described the killing as “brutal and inhumane” since the couple’s heads were covered with plastic, their faces covered with packaging tape, they were handcuffed, and were tied with a rope.
Lamoco said there were no reports that the couple went missing or if they were abducted prior to the discovery of their bodies. Investigation is ongoing.