Three Basey Men Surrender in Killing of Former Abuyog Vice Mayor, Son

Posted on July 2, 2026 at 5:56 pm

TACLOBAN CITY — Three men from Basey, Samar have surrendered to authorities and admitted their involvement in the abduction and killing of former Abuyog, Leyte Vice Mayor James Bohol and his son, Carlou James Bohol.

The suspects gave themselves up Tuesday night in Pasay City after coordinating with police through their families, according to Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) Director Brig. Gen. Edwin Balles.

Police identified the suspects as all residents of Basey, Samar.

Balles said the suspects decided to surrender after learning that the bodies recovered in a ravine in Barangay Imelda, Silago, Southern Leyte had already been confirmed to be those of Bohol and his son.

“Just last night, we facilitated their surrender after they reached out through their families. After news broke that bodies had been found and later confirmed by the victims’ relatives, they eventually turned themselves in,” Balles said.

The bodies of the former vice mayor and his son were found on June 30, three days after they were reported missing. Police said the two were taken by armed men from their business office in Barangay Sta. Cruz, Mayorga, Leyte, on June 27.

Investigators are now looking into a possible debt dispute as the motive behind the crime.

Balles said one of the suspects, known by the alias “Daboy,” allegedly owed Bohol money and had previously offered a check worth PHP550,000 as partial payment. The full extent of the alleged debt is still being verified.

Police said the suspects admitted to the killing, saying the victims were struck repeatedly on the head with a dumbbell before being stabbed with a bladed weapon.

After the bodies were recovered, the suspects reportedly decided to surrender.

They were first taken to the PNP Forensic Group for medical examination before being placed under the custody of the Anti-Kidnapping Group. They will later be turned over to the Police Regional Office in Eastern Visayas (PRO-8) for further investigation.

PRO-8 said it continues to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and coordinate with other units as it works to establish the full circumstances of the case and identify if others were involved.

PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. extended condolences to the family and praised the police units that handled the case.

“Our personnel were with the family throughout the search, hoping for a positive outcome. We extend our deepest sympathy to them,” Nartatez said. “We will continue working to deliver justice and identify everyone responsible.”

In Abuyog, Mayor Lemuel “Gin” Traya expressed grief over the incident, saying the town stands with the bereaved family.

In a Facebook post, he said the local government was deeply saddened after learning that the former vice mayor and his son were taken from their business office in Mayorga, Leyte.

“No family should ever have to go through this kind of pain and fear,” Traya said. “We stand with them in prayer and support during this very difficult time.”

He had earlier appealed for public help while the two were still missing.

Bohol previously served as a municipal councilor before becoming vice mayor of Abuyog. After his 2025 reelection bid was unsuccessful, he focused on private business with his son.

Authorities continue to remind the public to avoid spreading unverified information as the investigation remains ongoing.

Photo by: Rolly Magallanes | Vanguard