2 dead bodies found in Talisay, Balamban

CEBU, Philippines — Two male dead bodies, with their heads wrapped in tapes and hands and feet bound, were found dumped in different locations in Cebu on Sunday, June 30, 2024.

The first body identified as Franklin Idaño, 35, a resident of Barangay Basak-San Nicolas, Cebu City, fisherman and former drug surrender, was found in Barangay Prenza, Balamban, Cebu. His body was identified by his uncle Saturnino Matibag.

The second body was found in Sitio Campo 5, Barangay Manipis, Talisay City at 2 p.m. on Sunday. He was identified as Alexander Langi, a resident of Barangay Basak-Pardo, Cebu City. Langi was identified by his mother through his checkered short pants and shirt.

Both Idaño and Langi went missing on June 28. Police believe that the victims knew each other and their deaths may be connected. Initial investigation showed that the victims did not exhibit any stab wounds or gunshot wounds, leading the medical examiner to suspect that their deaths were caused by asphyxiation or suffocation due to their heads being wrapped with tapes.

Police Captain Wendell Abellana, Information Officer of Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), said that they believe the victims were already dead when dumped in Talisay City and Balamban, respectively.

“On that note, we have appealed to the public who have vital information that would lead to some way or another help in the resolution of the case,” said Abellana.

Police Colonel Percival Zorilla, CPPO director, has already instructed the chiefs of Police of Talisay and Balamban to conduct a thorough investigation and coordinate with other police units. —   Jonna Villa (FREEMAN)