A RELATIVE of a man who has been missing since last week approached the police to check on the identities of the two charred corpses found in Tuburan, northwestern Cebu last May 28, 2019.
The sister of Nikko Baricar said one of the dead bodies could be that of her brother, after seeing the latter's ring engraved with "Chary," the name of his former girlfriend.
Baricar's mother, Carmelita Tierny, is not yet convinced that her son is already dead, saying her son was of dark complexion and tall.
Tierny has urged her son, if he is still alive, to call her cell phone.
The other dead body could be that of John Paul Gallon, who was Baricar's friend and who went missing about the same time as Baricar's disappearance.
Gallon was wearing a basketball jersey when he disappeared.
Tierny said Baricar had been in jail for 13 years after he was convicted of murder and frustrated murder for his involvement in an inter-fraternity conflict.
Baricar was a member of Tau Gamma Phi.
Tierny went to the police crime laboratory Wednesday, May 29. Swab samples were taken from her for the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) testing.
Last May 22, Baricar failed to go home in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City, worrying his current live-in partner.
He was reportedly with Gallon and Isidro "Botex" Nudalo Jr., the brother of alleged drug lord Joel "Tongol" Nudalo.
Isidro, a suspected drug pusher, was released recently from jail.
Last May 24, Baricar's live-in partner, Julie (not her real name), called his cell phone, but another person answered her call. She said it could be Gallon, who told her that they were hanging out in the house of their fellow fraternity member.
She was told that Baricar fell asleep after he got drunk. But Tierny could not believe this, saying she had not seen her son drank liquor.
Julie contacted Isidro through social media, but the latter denied he was with Gallon and Baricar.
After the news about the discovery of the burned bodies in Barangay Putat, Tuburan circulated on social media, Tierny coordinated with the police.
An official of the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) who requested anonymity told Superbalita Cebu that Baricar was a hitman of his fraternity.
He said Baricar killed several teenagers who belonged to other fraternities.
The official said he was a member of the Cebu City Police Office-Mambaling Police Station when his team caught Baricar, who was 20 years old at the time.
The CPPO investigators learned that Baricar and Gallon went to Carcar City with Isidro to reportedly buy illegal drugs last May 24.
Gallon's motorcycle was found abandoned in a village in Carcar City last May 29.
Burned along with one of the corpses were a basketball jersey and an underwear, similar to the pieces of clothing worn by Gallon when he was still alive, according to his relatives.
Tuburan Police Station Chief Ismael Gauna said a DNA test will be conducted to reach conclusive findings.
The CPPO's public information chief, Eloveo Marquez, said the investigators are conducting an inquiry to determine the motive behind the crime. (From AYB of Superbalita Cebu/KAL)