Abra man confessed to killing 3 Mt. Province hunters–-police

BAGUIO CITY –– A man from Abra is facing murder complaints after allegedly confessing that he killed three people who were fishing for eel near the border of Abra province.

Three counts of murder were filed against Marlon Batuli, a resident of Barangay Tabacda, Tubo town in Abra, at the prosecutor’s office in capital Bangued town.

The bloodied bodies of Jansen Gabaen, Ronnie Macayba and Pedro Sauyen, all from Barangay Agawa in Besao town in Mt. Province, were found near the Nakanga River in Tubo on May 27.

The three went missing for a week before they were found dead.

Police said the complaints were based on the testimonies of Tabacda Barangay Chief Pilbert Pingian and two elders saying the suspect admitted killing the three.

Investigators said the suspect’s admission led to the discovery of the victims’ bodies.

The elders of the towns of Agawa, Besao, and Tubo have discussed efforts to avoid possible tribal conflict, police said.

The three towns’ local government units and the Tubo police facilitated the talks.

Police said they hoped the court would immediately issue a warrant of arrest against the suspect.