BACOLOD CITY – Talisay City, Negros Occidental Mayor Rowena Lizares has directed the Talisay City Police Station to thoroughly probe the discovery of ‘’salvage’’ or summary execution victims in the city.

The latest bodies were that of a man and woman and they were found in Barangay Dos Hermanas on Friday, Aug. 29. These were the third discovery in the city within a month.

“It is with deep concern that I address the recent discovery of two unidentified dead bodies in our community,” Lizares said in a statement.

She assured the public that the local government will fully support police efforts to bring justice to the victims.

“Please do not hesitate to reach out to our Talisay PNP if you need assistance or support,” she said, stressing that the safety of all Talisaynons remains their top priority.

Police Lt. Ramon Juablar, deputy chief of the Talisay City Police Station, admitted that their investigation faces challenges due to the victims’ lack of identities and eyewitnesses.

Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage obtained from the area covers only a distant angle and does not show the actual crime scene, he added.

The female victim was clad in a black shirt and denim shorts while the male victim was only wearing denim shorts without an upper garment, according to Juablar.

Their bodies were found in a remote grassy area of a privately owned lot. Despite being private property, the area is partially accessible, according to Juablar.

“This is concerning, especially since it’s a fresh case coming just weeks after a similar one,” Juablar said.

He noted that they cannot yet determine if the latest deaths are connected to the earlier cases until the victims are identified and their backgrounds assessed.

Police also have not yet determined the injuries sustained by the victims as autopsy examination once identified.

Lawmen have heightened visibility and implemented stricter checkpoint operations to prevent further incidents. Investigation is ongoing.

A total of five bodies have been found in three areas over the past month – two in Barangay Dos Hermanas, two in Barangay Concepcion, and one in Barangay Matab-ang. These areas are geographically distant from one another.

Authorities have identified the victims in Barangay Concepcion and are exploring the possibility of drug-related motives based on their backgrounds.

Lizares reiterated her administration’s commitment to public safety. “We are taking all necessary steps to maintain public safety,” she said.