Police eye love triangle in killing of Batangas working student

SAN JOSE, Batangas — Investigators are looking into a possible love triangle as the motive behind the killing of Charles Usi, a 22-year-old working student and musician, the San Jose Municipal Police Station said.

Police chief PMaj. Florencio Caisip Jr. said one of the six persons of interest (POIs) being investigated is the former boyfriend of Usi’s girlfriend.

“Parang … tungkol sa babae, girlfriend pareho… Kasi dating kasintahan ng isa, ngayon at kasintahan naman ng biktima,” Caisip said.

“Girlfriend dati noong isa sa POI,” he added.

Caisip declined to provide further details about the investigation.

Authorities have expanded their search for closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage along the routes taken by the suspects, who were riding a motorcycle.

As of Wednesday, investigators had extended their backtracking efforts to Padre Garcia, Batangas.

“Sa ngayon po diretso ang amin backtracking and forward tracking ng mga CCTV footages. Sa ngayon po nasa parte na ng Padre Garcia na po kami, kasi from Lipa umikot sila papuntang Ibaan,” Caisip said.

Aside from a possible love triangle, police are also investigating whether the killing was connected to Usi’s work.