BACOLOD CITY – Police are investigating if the murder of a man in Barangay Alangilan here this week is tied to his father’s alleged involvement in illegal drugs.
Police Major Joeil Reclamado, head of Police Station 5, in a media briefing on Wednesday, June 11, revealed that investigators are considering the possibility that the target was the victim’s father.
A placard found near the victim’s body accused his father of being a drug pusher, suggesting a possible motive rooted in the elder’s suspected drug ties.
“There’s a possibility the perpetrators were after the father, but ended up killing the son,” Reclamado said.
However, he said that a drug-related motive is not yet confirmed as they have not talked yet to the father.
The body of the victim, Christian, a resident of Barangay Estefania here, was discovered in a secluded part of Barangay Alangilan on Monday, June 9.
His mouth, hands, and feet were tied with duct tape and had two bullet wounds in the head. There were no signs of torture, and autopsy results are still pending.
Police are determining if the recovered five sachets of suspected shabu from the victim’s pocket belong to him or were planted.
Reclamado said the victim reportedly had no criminal history, except for a barangay-level complaint over unpaid debt.
He said that a companion of the victim, a person of interest, has been identified.
The victim was seen voluntarily boarding a gray sports utility vehicle (SUV) in Barangay Estefania on June 8, indicating he knew the person he left with.
Reclamado said they are validating closed circuit television (CCTV) footage and other details to strengthen their case.
Fingerprint testing is underway on the duct tape and recovered illegal drugs.
Investigators believe three to four individuals may have been involved in the killing. (Glazyl Masculino)
