Abducted trader found dead in Bacolod

BACOLOD CITY –– A businessman who was earlier abducted by three armed men was found dead in a vacant lot in Barangay Mandalagan, Bacolod City at 6:25 a.m. on Tuesday.

Ontao Sacar, 67, the president of the Maranao Muslim Brotherhood organization in Bacolod City, succumbed to a gunshot wound in the head.

He was tied, and a packaging tape was wrapped around his head.

A placard found next to his body bore the message “Wag tularan. Big-time pusher ako. (Do not imitate. I am a big-time pusher.)”

On his stomach and chest, the words “I love drugs” were written.

Sacar and his live-in partner, Norlyn Sumagaysay, who sold cellphone accessories at 888 Chinatown Square, were walking home when three armed men dragged the victim to a waiting SUV vehicle last Monday.

The armed men spared Sumagaysay, who said she was threatened with a gun.

Lt. Col. Ariel Pico, the spokesperson of the Bacolod City Police Office, said Sacar has been included in the police’s drug watch list, and that the victim was a drug surrenderer.

But Sumagaysay strongly debunked claims that her live-in partner was linked to illegal activities, stressing that they were engaged in a legitimate business.

Drugs are seen as the number one motive in the killing of Sacar, although investigators are also entertaining other motives, such as investment scam and personal grudge, Pico said.

Two empty shells and live ammunition of a 9mm pistol were recovered at the crime scene.