Man reported kidnapped, found dead in Negros Occidental

A man was found dead in Ilog, Negros Occidental on Tuesday afternoon after he was reported to have been kidnapped.

According to the report by GMA Regional TV’s Kim Salinas in “Saksi” on Wednesday, the 24-year-old victim Kirt Lobaton was on his way home to Bacolod from Cebu on Tuesday until his family lost contact with him. 

"It’s already 11 pm, 12 am, but I still cannot contact him. I already got worried. I thought that maybe he was held up or his phone was stolen," said Ritchell Mananquil, the victim’s mother. 

Investigation by the police showed that the victim still reached Kabankalan Bus Terminal together with a certain alias “Nico.” But they were abducted in a van where they were tied up and blindfolded, the police added. 

Further, the investigation showed that Lobaton was shot dead in Ilog while “Nico” managed to escape.

“Based on the account, he was shot at the back of his head. Meanwhile, ‘Nico’ was ordered by the suspects to escape. He was also shot but he dodged the bullet while running away,” said NOCPPO spokesperson Captain Judesses Catalogo.

The police also said that they have yet to determine the possible motives behind the crime. 

“We have yet to point an angle. Anybody can be a suspect or witness,” said Catalogo. 

Alias ‘Nico’ is now under the custody of the police. However, Lobaton’s family was disappointed that the former introduced himself as his cousin. 

“If you consider Kirt as your brother, please help in bringing justice to him,” said Mananquil.

GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas is trying to reach out to alias "Nico" and his family for a comment. –Vince Angelo Ferreras/NB, GMA Integrated News