5 men found dead in jeep in Batangas

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – The bodies of five men were found in an owner-type jeep in a far-flung village in Laurel, Batangas early yesterday morning, police said.

Senior Inspector Ireneo Bajado, Laurel police chief, said the five men – identified as Joebert Lincallo, Dante Mayuga, Manolito Cudra, Michael Palbacal, and Exequiel Marimat – could have been killed in Cavite and their bodies dumped in Laurel town to mislead investigators.

The five men, all residents of Luksuhin Ibaba, Alfonso, Cavite, bore bullet wounds in their heads and stab wounds in their bodies.

Bajado said two of the victims were found in the front seats of the owner-type jeep with license plate DSL 353, and the three others in the back.

He said a resident spotted the vehicle while passing by the area at around 3 a.m. yesterday and in turn, informed a security guard of the Laurel Municipal Hospital, Efren Dumpao, who himself alerted the authorities.

He said the jeep was found away from the populated area in Barangay Ticub.

He said the victims’ families identified them at the funeral parlor.

Senior Superintendent Omega Jireh Fidel, Batangas police director, said the five men could have been robbery victims since the P50,000 cash they were carrying was missing.

He said the victims had come from a wake in Laurel town and were on their way home in Alfonso, Cavite.