3 businessmen found dead in Quezon City

MANILA, Philippines - Three businessmen kidnapped by unidentified men late Friday were found dead inside an abandoned van in Quezon City yesterday.

Police said the bullet-riddled bodies of Conrad Rivera, Leo Lumibao and Angelo Ayson were found inside an abandoned Mitsubishi Adventure van parked along Congressional Avenue.

Investigator Police Officer 3 Loretto Tigno said the three were snatched by unidentified armed men along Road 13 late Friday.

Dennis Rivera, brother of one of the victims, said they had just finished a business meeting and were on their way to the van when four men armed with automatic handguns emerged and forced the three victims into the vehicle at gunpoint.

Police said the suspects fired warning shots to scare off the victims and bystanders.

“Then they pushed the victims into the vehicle. Upon boarding the Adventure, the group left,” Tigno said.

Quezon City Police District-Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit chief Superintendent Gerardo Ratuita said they have yet to establish the motive behind the abduction and the killing of the three victims.

Ratuita said they are focusing on the possibility of business rivalry since the three victims were reportedly negotiating a partnership to operate a canteen.

Dennis, however, said he did not know of anyone who had a grudge against his brother.