Man found dead after abduction

CEBU, Philippines — A 57-year-old man who was allegedly abducted while on his way to watch a cockfight in Consolacion was found dead with gunshot wound in Barangay Sudlon 1, Cebu City on Thursday afternoon, September 3.

Police identified the victim as Leo Leaño, a resident of Consolacion.

According to police, Leaño’s child last saw him alive at around 10 a.m. on Thursday as he left home to watch a cockfight in a neighboring barangay.

A closed-circuit television (CCTV) recording in an area in Consolacion showed Leaño riding his motorcycle before stopping at the side of the road.

Police said a man wearing a black shirt then approached Leaño, who was subsequently abducted. Authorities said the footage showed Leaño pleading with the men not to take him.

Police said the perpetrators were believed to have used a red vehicle during the abduction.

Leaño’s whereabouts remained unknown until his body was found past 1 p.m. along the roadside in sitio Morga, Barangay Sudlon 1, Cebu City.

He sustained gunshot wounds to the head and body, according to police.

His wrists were also found tied in front of him using a cock-tethering cord, prompting investigators to look into the possibility that he was a victim of a “salvage” killing.

Meanwhile, joint investigation teams from the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) have identified and located the vehicle allegedly used by the perpetrators, police said.

Authorities have also identified one of the possible suspects in the incident.

Investigators remain on the ground gathering additional evidence, while hot pursuit operations are underway against the suspects, police said.

The motive behind the alleged abduction and killing has yet to be established.

The CCPO assured the public that it would continue its investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Leaño’s abduction and death.

“Cebu City Police Office assures the public of a swift and methodical investigation to give justice to the victim and his family. There will be no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth,” the CCPO said in a statement.