2 found dead in Bulacan, Zambales

Two unidentified men believed to be victims of summary execution were found dead in Bulacan and Zambales on Friday.

One of the bodies, which bore stab wounds, was found along the road in Barangay Minuyan Proper, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan.

The other body was found in Barangay Siminublan, San Narciso, Zambales. The head of the victim was wrapped in packing tape while his hands were tied.

Police said the victims could have been dumped in the areas where they were found to mislead authorities.

W. Visayas’ most wanted falls

Meanwhile, Arthur Balume Sr., 62, the leader of the Balume drug ring, a sub-group of the Odicta syndicate operating in Iloilo, Capiz and Negros Occidental, was arrested on Thursday.

Balume and his son Arthur Jr. were arrested in Barangay Poblacion, Hinobaan based on warrants for murder for the killing of two security escorts of a mayoral candidate in 2016.

Police said Balume, whose group is also involved in contract killing, is the most wanted person in Western Visayas.

The Balume drug ring has reportedly 16 core members, seven of whom have been neutralized. The group allegedly gets its supply of illegal drugs from the New Bilibid Prison and Mindanao.

Also arrested were Balume’s wife Honey Grace, Arthur Jr.’s wife Pamela, 23, and Pamela’s brother, Ryan Cainglet, 29, for alleged possession of 10 sachets of shabu with an estimated street value of P83,000, a caliber .38 revolver, a caliber .45 pistol and ammunition, Senior Superintendent Marlon Tayaba, Iloilo police chief, said.