CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES: Police in Cebu City have arrested two men in connection with the killing of a 57-year-old man who was allegedly abducted before his body was discovered along a roadside earlier this week.

The victim, identified as Leo Leaño of Consolacion, Cebu, was found dead on September 3 after authorities received information concerning his disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his death.

Investigators subsequently launched a search for those believed to be involved in the incident. Their investigation included an examination of closed-circuit television footage from areas connected to the victim’s movements.

Police later identified two men, known by the aliases “Retchie” and “Ace,” as suspects in the case. The two were arrested in separate operations in Cebu City early on September 5.

According to police, Retchie, 30, was arrested at around 3 a.m. in Barangay Ermita. The second suspect, Ace, 49, was taken into custody approximately two hours later in the Cogon area of Pardo.

Investigators said information obtained from CCTV footage helped them trace the suspects and identify locations where they had reportedly been present.

Police also said both men had previous criminal records, an aspect that investigators are examining as they build the case surrounding Leaño’s death.

During questioning, authorities said the suspects admitted involvement in the killing. Police further alleged that the two claimed they had been paid to carry out the attack by another individual believed to have organized the operation.

Investigators said they have already established the identity of the alleged mastermind. Authorities have not disclosed further details about that person, including whether an arrest has been made.

The suspected involvement of multiple people has led police to examine whether the killing was planned in advance and what relationship existed between the victim and those allegedly involved.

Investigators are also expected to review additional CCTV recordings, interview witnesses and examine other evidence that could establish the sequence of events leading to the victim’s death.

The case has raised concerns in the local community because of the alleged abduction preceding the killing. Authorities are working to determine where the victim was taken, how long he was held and what happened before his body was discovered.

Police are expected to pursue additional suspects if evidence indicates that other individuals participated in the alleged crime.

The investigation remains active, and the allegations against the arrested men will ultimately have to be tested through the Philippine judicial process. The suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Authorities have not yet released a complete account of the alleged motive behind the killing. Establishing why the victim was targeted and identifying everyone involved are expected to remain key objectives of the investigation.

Further developments are likely as police continue pursuing the alleged mastermind and examine evidence connected with the victim’s final movements.