Councilman found dead

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A 33-year-old barangay councilman was found dead in his rented room of a beach resort in Hinigaran town of Negros Occidental on Wednesday.

Chief Inspector Lino Dalisay, chief of the Hinigaran Police, identified the victim as Rey Buencocillo, who was a councilman of Barangay Baliwagan in San Enrique town. Buencocillo also worked in a business establishment in La Carlota City and was a money lender.

Dalisay said the victim was found dead inside his room at Paradiso Beach Resort at around 11:45 a.m. Wednesday after he failed to check out at 2 a.m. as he earlier told the receptionist.

Dalisay said Buencocillo and an unidentified male companion checked in the resort at 6 p.m. Tuesday but the latter left the resort at around 7:45 p.m., or nearly two hours after.

Autopsy report showed the victim died of natural death, as there were no laceration, concussion, gunshot or stab wounds, but Dalisay said foul play was still possible because the victim’s wallet and cellphone were missing. It was also gathered that Buencocillo made a withdrawal bank transaction prior to the incident..

Police probers were trying to identify the victim’s companion who was wearing a helmet when they arrived and left the resort.

Dalisay added the police found the motorcycle, which the victim and his companion used when they went to the resort, outside the Pueblo San Roque Subdivision in Hinigaran. (FREEMAN)