Bodies found in Naga identified as Koreans

CEBU, Philippines - The bodies of two oriental-looking men who were brutally killed and dumped in a mountain barangay of Naga town were already identified.

Korean national Kang Jung Il, who reportedly claimed to be a friend of the victims, together with Consul Jung San Chul identified the two as Choi Ho Jun, 41 years old, and Yang Soon Suk, 40, through their tattoos.

Charlie Sien, president of the Korean Community Association, went to the office of the Regional Intelligence Division to coordinate with the authorities and to seek for further assistance.

Jung San Chul said that they are hopeful the police officers will be able to solve the crime the soonest. He added there is the possibility that the motive of the killing could be drug-related or has something to do with moneymaking schemes.

According to the consul, the two victims arrived here in the country last May of this year as tourists.

Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez, director of the Police Regional Office-7, said that they will also look into the possibility that the victims were involved in Mafia-like organization. He said that they are to coordinate with Korean officials.

As for Senior Supt. Jesus Gaquing, chief of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, he said that they are now coordinating with other police agencies to deal with the incident.

The bodies which sustained hack, stab and gunshot wounds to various parts were found at around 6 a.m. last Sunday in sitio Tres, barangay Uling.

Supt. Anthony Bagarinao, chief of the Naga Police Station, said they believe the victims were not killed in the said barangay but were just dumped there. However, he added, their investigation is still going on and that they find it difficult to solve the crime for lack of witnesses.

The bodies were transferred yesterday to the Rolling Hills Funeral Homes. – Gabriel C. Bonjoc/MEEV   (FREEMAN NEWS)