ALBUERA, LEYTE, Philippines — Two more victims of "salvagings" were found by residents of Barangay Benolho in this town, early Friday morning, along the highway and just a few meters from the boundary marker, separating the town from Ormoc City.
One of the victims was identified as Jimmy Tan, 35, a resident of Malbasag in Ormoc City. His brother Raulito Tan claimed the body, which had tattoos on both legs.
Raulito told the police that he heard about the killings from his friends. He did not elaborate, however, on his suspicions of who could possibly killed his brother, saying he just wanted to bring the latter home and give him a decent burial.
The other victim, on the other hand, remained unidentified, as of press time. He was estimated to be about 16 to 19 years old, around 5-ft tall and with tattoo mark "Oriental Sun" on his back.
SPO1 Noel dela Victoria said initial investigation indicated that the bodies were either thrown by the roadside or could have been killed on the spot.
Residents in the area reported hearing gunshots at about 1 a.m. and the police recovered four slugs of a 9-mm and five empty bullets of a .45-caliber gun from the scene.
The body count of 'salvage' victims thrown or abandoned at this town, from January to date, has risen to four. The two previous victims were also from Ormoc City and were known as petty thieves operating in the city, added dela Victoria. (FREEMAN)