Three bodies found in separate Talisay incidents

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Police Regional Office–Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) is investigating three separate incidents in which three unidentified persons were found dead Monday in two villages in Talisay City, Negros Occidental.

Police Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay, PRO-NIR director, ordered the creation of a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) to lead the probe, consolidate gathered intelligence, and coordinate with forensic experts for the swift identification of the victims and resolution of the cases.

“These incidents are deeply concerning, and I have ordered a thorough, methodical, and coordinated investigation,” Ibay said in a statement.

The first case was reported around 2:20 a.m. in Hacienda San Isidro, Barangay Concepcion, where a man estimated to be 45 to 50 years old was found beside a sugarcane field near an abandoned motorcycle and helmet.

The third incident was reported at around 2 p.m. in the same area, where a man believed to be 35 to 40 years old was found inside a sugarcane plantation. Personal belongings and a kitchen knife were recovered nearby.

Police Major Rhazl Jim Jocson, deputy chief of the Talisay City Police Station, said the first and third cases may be connected as both victims were found in the same location.

The second case was discovered at about 9 a.m. in Hacienda Minuluan Mendoza, Barangay Matab-ang, where a decomposing body clad in blue shorts was found beside a sugarcane field by the hacienda overseer.

Jocson said all possible angles are being explored to establish the motives. He stressed that identifying the victims is critical to understanding their backgrounds, which could aid in the investigation.

Personnel from the Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) processed the crime scenes, while Talisay City Police investigators are conducting follow-up operations and pursuing all leads.

“It just so happened that these incidents occurred in one day,” Jocson said, adding that one victim may have been dumped in the area about a month ago, based on the state of decomposition.

The SITG vowed to examine all angles and follow every lead.

“We are working closely with forensic experts to establish the victims’ identities and uncover the circumstances surrounding their deaths,” the PRO-NIR said.

The regional police office assured that every available resource is being mobilized to determine the truth and hold those responsible accountable.

Authorities are urging the public to report any information that may assist in identifying the victims or solving the cases.

The PRO-NIR reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice and maintaining peace and security in Negros Island communities.