Police are pursuing a 23-year-old suspect in the killing of a construction worker in San Carlos City, Pangasinan with investigators looking into a possible love triangle as the motive behind the attack.

The victim, a 44-year-old construction worker from Barangay Quesban in Calasiao, Pangasinan, was found lifeless along a bypass road in Barangay Caingal shortly before midnight on Saturday.

Police said the victim sustained fatal injuries after being struck repeatedly with a baseball bat.

Authorities recovered the alleged weapon near the crime scene after witnesses pointed investigators to where it was hidden.

Initial investigation showed the victim had left home on Friday evening after reportedly having a heated phone conversation.

Witnesses later told police they saw the suspect attacking the victim with a blunt object.

Captain Anthony Doctolero, investigation officer of the San Carlos City Police Station, said jealousy may have triggered the incident.

“Bali lumalabas sa imbestigasyon natin ay love triangle so ‘yung suspect natin bale ka-relasyon rin po ng GF ng biktima,” Doctolero said.

Police identified the suspect only by the alias “Batotoy,” a 23-year-old resident of Barangay Caingal, who fled after the incident.

Authorities said they are continuing follow-up operations to locate and arrest him.

“Pini-prepare po namin ‘yung papeles para ma-i-file natin sa city prosecutor po ang murder case po,” Doctolero said.

GMA Regional TV One North Central Luzon visited the victim’s home, but family members declined to comment.

Police said they are preparing murder charges against the suspect as the investigation continues.