Former Abuyog vice mayor James "Jimbo" Bohol and his son, Carlo James Bohol, were found dead in Southern Leyte three days after they were abducted from their business office in Mayorga, prompting police to file kidnapping with double homicide charges against three suspects.
Police said the victims were forcibly taken at about 1 p.m. on June 27 from their warehouse-office in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Mayorga, Leyte, where they had reportedly gone to meet one of the suspects.
Investigators said the armed suspects fled with the victims aboard a Mitsubishi Mirage, before transferring to a gray Toyota Hilux.
Authorities traced the suspects' movements through a GPS device installed in the rented vehicle, leading investigators to determine that the group crossed from Allen, Northern Samar, to Matnog, Sorsogon, in an apparent attempt to evade law enforcement.
The search ended on June 30 when residents discovered two bodies dumped in a seven- to eight-meter-deep roadside ravine in Barangay Imelda, Silago, Southern Leyte, about a kilometer from the town center.
Scene of the Crime Operatives processed the area before the victims were positively identified by their family as the former vice mayor and his son.
Police have filed two counts of kidnapping with double homicide against Mark James Taboy, Kim Solayao, and Reniel Galza, all of Basey, Samar.
The three surrendered to authorities in Pasay City before being transferred to the custody of the Police Regional Office 8.
Abuyog Mayor Lemuel "Gin" Traya condemned the killings, describing them as a senseless act of violence.
"The Local Government Unit of Abuyog unequivocally condemns this heinous act of violence. Such profound lawlessness has no place in our society, as it directly violates the peace, order, and security that we uphold within our municipality," Traya said.
Police Brig. Gen. Jason Capoy, director of Police Regional Office 8, said the filing of charges marked a significant development in the case.
"The filing of charges marks a significant step toward justice for the victims. We will continue to pursue all those responsible and ensure they are held accountable under the law," Capoy said.
Investigators said they are pursuing the motive behind the crime, including information pointing to an alleged unpaid business obligation involving one of the suspects and the former vice mayor.
Authorities stressed, however, that the investigation remains ongoing and that they are determining whether other individuals were involved in the kidnapping and killings.
The deaths of Bohol, who once served as Abuyog's vice mayor, and his son have drawn condolences from local officials and residents, with many calling for the swift prosecution of all those responsible.
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