Police apprehended three suspects in the murder of a 39-year-old virtual assistant in Batangas province.
Police Col. Meliton Salvadora, Batangas police director, identified the suspects as Ed, 45; Jazz, 48, and Ceto, 48, residents of Barangay Maugat West, Padre Garcia, Batangas.
Jazz was arrested in Rosario, Batangas while Ed and Ceto were caught in Padre Garcia at about 5 a.m. on April 11.
Investigation said that the victim Er of Barangay Maugat West was reported missing by his live-in partner on April 10, two days after he was last seen on April 8.
The victim's partner and a relative proceeded to a charcoal-making site owned by one of the suspects and discovered the victim’s personal belongings near a charcoal kiln.
Police searched the area and recovered the victim’s remains.
Follow-up investigation was conducted that led to the arrest of the suspects who face appropriate cases.
Meanwhile, a 21-year-old college student was arrested for statutory rape and acts of lasciviousness in Sitio Kalumpit, Barangay Prenza, Lian, Batangas on Monday, April 13.
Police said the suspect was the eighth most wanted person in the Calabarzon region.
The suspect was arrested on a warrant issued by the Nasugbu, Batangas Regional Trial Court Branch 14 dated April 7, 2026.
The court recommended an P180,000 bail for the acts of lasciviousness case and none for statutory rape.