SUSPECTED 'salvage' victims were found in Talisay City, Negros Occidental in one day. (Police photos)
BACOLOD CITY – Three suspected “salvage” or summary execution victims were found in Talisay City, Negros Occidental on Monday, Aug. 11.
Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) chief, expressed concern over the gruesome discovery.
A Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has been created to lead the probe, integrate intelligence, and work with forensic experts to quickly identify the victims and solve their murder.
“These incidents are deeply concerning,” Ibay said, emphasizing a need for a thorough and coordinated investigation.
The first body, a man aged around 45 to 50, was discovered at 2:20 a.m. beside a sugarcane field in Hacienda San Isidro, Barangay Concepcion. Near him were a motorcycle and helmet.
The second, already decomposing, was found at 9 a.m. in Hacienda Minuluan Mendoza, Barangay Matab-ang, wearing only blue shorts. Investigators believe the body may have been there for about a month.
The third, found around 2 p.m. in Hacienda San Isidro, Barangay Concepcion, was a man estimated to be 35- to 40-years-old. A kitchen knife and personal belongings were found nearby.
Police Major Rhazl Jim Jocson, deputy chief of the Talisay City police, suspects the first and third cases may be connected due to their proximity.
Authorities are working to identify the victims, which Jocson said is crucial in establishing possible motives. “It just so happened that these incidents occurred in one day,” Jocson said.
Crime scene units are processing the areas while police continue follow-up operations. The SITG has committed to exploring all leads and angles.
The PRO-NIR assured the public that all resources are being utilized to resolve the cases and bring the perpetrators to justice.
The public were urged to report any information that could aid in the investigation.