Cops probe ‘rent-tangay’ link in Talisay slay

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Authorities are not discounting the possibility that the killing of a 35-year-old man in Barangay Efigenio Lizares, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday could be linked to his alleged involvement in a “rent-tangay” modus.

Police Maj. Rhazl Jim Jocson, deputy chief of the Talisay City Police Station, identified the victim as Jayvee Arellano, 35, a resident of Barangay Mansilingan, Bacolod City, who was identified by his family.

Jocson said police are verifying information on the victim’s alleged link to the modus after some individuals accused him on social media.

He added that investigators are exploring various angles behind the killing and could not disclose further details so as not to affect the investigation.

“Let’s leave it to the investigation because some details are vital to the case,” Jocson said.

A passerby found the victim with multiple stab wounds in the stomach and chest.

According to Jocson, the victim was believed to have been dragged to the secluded area, indicating that his body was dumped there.

Jocson said police already have persons of interest and leads in the investigation.

Meanwhile, Police Col. Eugene Rebadomia, officer in charge of the Bacolod City Police Office, said in a Wednesday press briefing that social media posts accusing the victim of the same modus had also come to their attention.

However, Rebadomia said no official complaint had been filed with the police, adding that complainants may have been hesitant to report the matter.

He said most of the complaints seen on social media came from people in Bacolod, some of whom posted Arellano’s photo and accused him of carrying out the modus.

He added that police are coordinating with the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, which may provide vital information for the investigation.

Rebadomia said they will also check the victim’s background to determine whether he had been involved in other illegal activities or had committed offenses in other regions.