Suspects in killing of ex-vice mayor and son arrested, face raps

Authorities have filed charges against three suspects in the kidnapping and killing of former Abuyog, Leyte vice mayor and councilor James Bohol and his son, Carlo James.

The suspects who fled to Luzon after the alleged kidnapping on June 27, 2026 were arrested in Pasay City.

“From Mayorga, they travelled to Silago, then from Silago, travelled going to Basey, Samar, then they transferred to another getaway vehicle… then from Basey, travelled to (Sta. Clara) Allen, then tumawid towards Sorsogon then Sorsogon to Luzon,” said Col. Celerino Sacro, Jr., Officer-in-charge of the Leyte Provincial Police Office.

The victims were allegedly kidnapped in Mayorga and their bodies were dumped in Silago.

On July 2, two days after the victims’ bodies were found on June 30, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-8 filed charges against the suspects before the prosecutor’s office in Leyte.

They filed charges for two counts of kidnapping with homicide.

The police said they are confident of the evidence they have gathered against the suspects.

“We are pretty sure that our evidence gathered are strong for the conviction of the three suspects. Kanina po, na file-an natin through inquest proceedings and we’re just waiting for the resolution,” said Lt. Col. Anna Luisa Centino, legal officer of the Leyte Police Provincial Office, which is under PRO-8.

The police said the victims knew the suspects because the suspects were regular customers in their business.

The police are not discounting the possibility that the crime might have something to do with a debt.

“Success cannot undo the tragic loss of two victims. It marks the beginning of accountability, and we hope that this development provides them with assurance that justice is being pursued with urgency and determination,” said BGen. Froilan Navarroza, officer-in-charge of PRO-8.