The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Wednesday that five of the 11 suspects in the kidnapping and death of a pharmaceutical executive have already surrendered.
Among those who turned themselves over to the police is a 13-year-old, GMA News reported.
The report quoted PNP spokesperson Jean Fajardo who said the suspects surrendered on August 8 and 11 and admitted to their participation in the crime.
“There are five suspects who have surrendered voluntarily and based on their sworn statements, they admitted their participation in the incident.”
The suspects in their statements said victim Eduardo Tolosa was killed as early as July 19, authorities said.
On August 19, an official of Tolosa’s company received a message demanding a P100-million ransom. Another message asking for money was again received on September 1.
Fajardo said the suspects were young people including the 13-year-old.
Fajardo said the stories of the suspects who surrendered were clear and that the suspects narrated how they cleaned the crime scene and dug a hole to bury the victim. A piece of rock used in killing the victim was also presented, authorities said.
Authorities said because of fear, some the suspects told their parents about the incident who pushed them to report to authorities.
Police also reported that on July 19, the body of the victim was buried, but was eventually burned.
Due to this, Fajardo said only small pieces of bones were retrieved from the ashes of the remains.
According to Fajardo, Tolosa was familiar with the victims and that the suspects and victim were neighbors.