THE Philippine National Police Crime Laboratory is investigating any similarities in the killings of 16-year-old Christine Silawan and 60-year-old Trinidad Batucan.
Both Silawan and Batucan were killed and their faces skinned to the bone.
Silawan was found dead in Barangay Bangkal, Lapu-Lapu City Monday, March 11. She was half naked.
Batucan, on the other hand, was found dead on January 11, 2019. His skin on the face and chest had been removed.
Three brothers, who are reportedly members of a cult, were identified as suspects in the killing.
The suspects were identified as brothers Junrey, Juvy and Jonas Bueno. The three were reportedly former members of the New People's Army operating in the mountain barangays of Carmen and Danao.
Junrey and Juvy were killed in a follow-up police operation on January 13.
Jonas is still at large and is reportedly hiding in the mountains of Danao and Carmen.
Danao City Director Maribel Getigan cannot ascertain yet if Batucan's death is related to Silawan's murder.
Getigan said the Bueno brothers have a pending warrant of arrest for murder.
She said that according to residents in Danao, the brothers are doing a ritual and are keeping some kind of a charm inside a small container that is tied to their bodies. (AYB)