NBI Identifies ‘chop-chop’ victim

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD CITY – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI)-Bacolod has identified the owner of human remains found outside its office last month.

Atty. Renoir Baldovino, NBI-Bacolod head, confirmed identity confirmation through fingerprint analysis.

The dactyloscopy report named Baltazar Lamata as the decedent. Baldovino revealed that Lamata had previously obtained an NBI clearance, which included his fingerprints. These were matched with those on a severed body part from a funeral parlor.

On March 1, a sack with frozen body parts, including a mutilated left arm, left leg, and two ears, appeared at the NBI office with a note implicating an NBI agent in criminal activity.

Police have been investigating whether the targeting of the agent, known for combating illegal gambling, constitutes a threat or a decoy by the perpetrator.

The investigation continues as they piece together the case, said Baldovino.

Although Lamata had purported ties to drug activities, official confirmation is pending.

The family has been in discussions with the authorities.

“It seems he was secretive. His family was unaware of his illegal activities,” Baldovino stated.

He confirmed that suspects have been identified in this case.