3 surrender, confess to murder of ex-Leyte vice mayor, son

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspects surrendered to authorities on Tuesday evening, admitting they planned and carried out the killing of former Abuyog, Leyte vice mayor James Bohol and his son, Carlo James “Jimbo” Bohol.

In a press briefing on Wednesday at Camp Crame, Brig. Gen. Edwin Balles, acting director of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), said the three suspects surrendered to its operatives, Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, and Police Regional Office 8.

Earlier it was reported the bodies of the two victims were discovered at around Tuesday morning in a steep roadside ravine in Barangay Imelda, Silago, Southern Leyte.

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Read: Ex-vice mayor, son confirmed dead; cops intensify hunt for killers

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“At this very early stage, I cannot determine the motive because they are emotionally unstable and are currently experiencing a breakdown. I cannot speak on their behalf regarding their true motive,” said Balles.

“They voluntarily admitted that they were the three individuals responsible for the crime. You could see from their demeanor that they felt some regret and remorse,” he said.Balles said the case went viral and the suspects saw it themselves, which somehow added to the pressure they were feeling.

“Their families also felt it, especially since many operatives and follow-up investigators were already going house to house searching,” said Balles.

Balles said the victims were attacked until they became unconscious and were repeatedly stabbed before their bodies were disposed of.When asked if the suspects knew the vice mayor, Balles said that they were business partners selling cooking oil, and they had financial disagreements.

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Balles said it’s still under investigation whether the father was the only intended target and the son was accidentally involved, adding that this remains a possible scenario.

“The suspects are now undergoing documentation and processing. They have been provided with legal counsel of their own choosing,” said Balles.

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James Bohol served a single term as vice mayor of Abuyog, which ended in 2025, and continued to be a recognized figure in the municipality even after stepping down from public office. /das

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