TACLOBAN CITY — Three suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction and killing of former Abuyog vice mayor James Bohol and his son, Carlo James Bohol, the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) said.
The suspects were caught in Pasay City through a joint operation by PRO-8, the Anti-Kidnapping Group, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group after investigators tracked the vehicles allegedly used in the crime.
Police said the victims were abducted at their warehouse in Barangay Santa Cruz, Mayorga, Leyte, where one of the suspects had reportedly asked Bohol for an extension to settle a check payment.
The suspect claimed Bohol had threatened him and his family, prompting him to abduct the former vice mayor and his son, and bring them to Silago, Southern Leyte.
Authorities said an altercation later broke out between one of the suspects and Carlo James, resulting in the fatal stabbing of both victims before their bodies, with their hands tied by wire and mouths gagged, were thrown into a ravine.
The victims were found dead along the Abuyog-Silago Road in Barangay Imelda, Silago, on Tuesday following an extensive search by responding police units.
PRO-8 director Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy said investigators from the Provincial Intelligence Unit identified the abandoned Mitsubishi Mirage getaway vehicle in Barangay Tingib, Basey, Samar, and obtained its Global Positioning System (GPS) data recorder from the rental company.
The GPS information enabled police to trace the suspects’ movements, including the location where the vehicle was washed before being abandoned and the route leading to another vehicle, a Toyota Hilux, which was later abandoned in Sariaya, Quezon.
Police said the suspects were eventually tracked to Pasay City, where they were arrested by the joint operating teams without incident.
Initial investigation showed that both victims died from stab wounds, while authorities continue to investigate the full circumstances surrounding the killings and determine whether additional individuals were involved.
Abuyog Mayor Lemuel Traya condemned the killings, describing them as a heinous act of violence that has no place in a community committed to peace, order and public safety.
“We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to the immediate family and to everyone who grieves this catastrophic loss,” Traya said.