By: Vanessa Bugtong
The body of a man with a gunshot wound was found along the riverbank in Barangay Badas, San Juan, Abra, early Sunday morning, June 9.
The victim was wearing a red jersey tank top and red shorts, with no footwear.
His body was discovered by a farmer on the way to his farm, according to police.
“That area is surrounded by the river and there are no houses nearby,” said PCpt. Gerald Bentadan, acting chief of police of San Juan Municipal Police Station. “It was reported to us by a farmer who happened to be heading to his field that day.”
The man was identified by his family through his tattoos, one of which read “Stay Humble, Hustle Hard” on his left thigh, with another tattoo on his right foot.
He was later confirmed to be a 27-year-old resident of Baguio City.
Initial police investigation revealed the victim sustained a gunshot wound on his side.
However, the motive behind the killing remains unclear.
“The investigation is still ongoing so we can determine what really happened,” Bentadan said. “We can’t confirm yet if he was a victim of a summary execution.”
Authorities also recovered a packet allegedly containing shabu from the victim.
“These items are now in the custody of the SOCO for proper procedures to verify if the substance is indeed shabu,” Bentadan added.
An autopsy will be conducted before the body is brought home to Baguio City.
Police are still probing the motive behind the crime.
