3 goat dealers from Batangas found dead in Maguindanao

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Three men engaged in selling hybrid goats were found dead in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur on Friday.

The victims, who were residents of Calatagan town in Batangas, were found buried together in a shallow grave in Barangay Nabundas, according to a report received by Brig. Gen. Romeo Juan Macapaz, Bangsamoro police director.

Reports said that villagers helped the local police locate the remains of the victims whose hands were tied in the back.

Relatives from Batangas confirmed the identities of the victims based on the clothes they were wearing.

Probers said that before the victims were reported missing, they were allegedly seen talking to a resident, identified only as “Khomeini.”

The victims were allegedly seized by five men who brought them to a secluded area of the village.

The victims were reportedly beaten before they were shot dead.