6 ‘salvage’ victims found in Caloocan

Six bullet-riddled bodies, all bearing signs of "salvaging" or summary execution, were found in a subdivision in Deparo, Caloocan City yesterday.

Police identified four of the victims as Ramon Villanueva, 37; Arthur Cadorna, Jefferson Agipanan and Jun Azuero, all workers of King Dragon Remelting Corp. in Sto. Niño, Meycauayan, Bulacan.

Police said they were still verifying the identities of the two other victims, one of whom had "Toto Romy" tattooed on his right shoulder.

Northern Police District director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil said all six were apparently mowed down with automatic gunfire after investigators found at least 26 shells of M-16 rifles and five 9-mm. shells at the scene.

Witnesses claimed seeing a slow moving galvanized Toyota FX van along the main road of Phase 3, Nova Romania Subdivision around 2:30 a.m.

One of the witnesses claimed overhearing the van stop with its passengers alighting from the vehicle.

He quoted one of the vehicle’s passengers as saying: "Nagpahuli kasi kayo (Because you allowed yourselves to be caught)" before shots rang out.

Out of fear, the witness decided against coming out to investigate, Bataoil said.

Hours later, a construction worker identified only as "Daniel" discovered the six bodies sprawled on the pavement and immediately reported the grisly find to the police.

"We condemn this killing," Bataoil said. "If these persons are in conflict with anyone or any group, this is not the way it should be resolved. Due process of law must prevail."

Bataoil directed Superintendent Napoleon Cuaton, Caloocan Police chief, to coordinate their investigation with barangay officials in the area.

Cuaton said they have invited the subdivision’s security guards for questioning.