Pubdate: Sat, 05 Feb 2005
Source: Sunstar Davao (Philippines)
Copyright: 2005 Sunstar
Contact:  http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1991
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Author: Jeffrey M. Tupas
Bookmark http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Summary+Executions

3 BODIES FOUND IN N. COTABATO WERE FROM DAVAO

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- The three bodies that bore torture marks found in
three different barangays in Makilala, North Cotabato were finally
identified as the bodies of two cousins from the Island Garden City of
Samal and a taxi drvier from Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

Relatives of the victims who came to claim the bodies made the
identification.

Inspector Leo Ajero, Makilala police chief, identified the victims as
Catalino Maghuyop, 35, and his cousin Rico Abagat, 28, both residents
of Island Garden City of Samal, and Roni Uy, 39, taxi driver and
resident of Barangay Buclad in Asuncion, Davao del Norte.

The victims were reported missing since January 26.

"Their relatives never thought they were dead. But when they failed to
return home after January 26, they thought of something else. They
were surprised to see their relatives already inside the casket," Ajero said.

He said the victims' relatives could not give any information that
could give the investigators hint as to why they were killed.

Ajero, however, said Uy was once detained for drug
pushing.

This led to speculations that the killing could have been carried out
by vigilantes out to execute those engaged in illegal drugs.

Ajero, however, refused to comment on this.

On January 29, three days after they disappeared, the bodies of the
slain men were found in three villages: one in sitio Flortam, Barangay
Batasan, the other at the boundary of Bansalan in Davao del Sur and
Makilala, and the third was found in Barangay San Vicente.

The three were tortured and wrapped with packing tapes like mummies
before they were shot at close range. 
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