Young car trader’s lifeless body found in ravine; relative among persons of interest

• The body of 26-year-old John Lester Amin was found in a grassy area of Tagaytay on December 23; he was without clothes, bound, and his face was wrapped in packing tape
• Amin left his Quezon City home on December 22 for a car transaction but never returned; police believe he went with the suspects willingly, suggesting he knew his killers
• In a shocking twist, police have identified a relative of the victim as one of the four primary persons of interest in the investigation
• Authorities have secured critical CCTV footage tracking the victim's movements from Metro Manila and are now awaiting a formal statement from his partner to file criminal charges

The cool, festive breeze of Tagaytay City was marred by a gruesome discovery just days before Christmas, shattering the holiday peace for one family.

In a shocking case that highlights the hidden dangers of high-stakes independent trading, the lifeless body of a 26-year-old car trader was found discarded in a grassy, secluded ravine, stripped of both his clothing and his dignity.

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The victim, identified as John Lester Amin, was discovered on December 23, but the severity of his condition meant it took three agonizing days before his identity could be confirmed by his grieving live-in partner.

According to reports from the Tagaytay City Police, the scene was one of calculated brutality. Amin was found without clothes, his hands bound, and his face tightly wrapped in packing tape, suggesting he had been silenced and incapacitated before his death.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Manongdo, Chief of Tagaytay Police, revealed that the initial forensic assessment showed the victim had suffered multiple stab wounds, which were likely the cause of his untimely death.

The narrative leading to this tragedy began on December 22 in Quezon City. Amin reportedly left his home that evening, telling his family he was heading out to meet a group of men for a business transaction involving a vehicle.

In the world of buying and selling cars, such late-night meet-ups are risky but not uncommon. However, Amin never returned.

The investigation has since taken a chilling turn closer to home. Authorities are currently pursuing four persons of interest (POIs).

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In a twist that suggests a heartbreaking betrayal, Lt. Col. Manongdo disclosed that one of the primary suspects is a relative of the victim.

"Meron tayong apat na person of interest. Identified na natin 'yung isa riyan," Manongdo stated. " Isa sa mga theory namin diyan, may mga transaksiyon o nagtitinda ng sasakyan itong biktima – isa ‘yun sa posibleng tinitingnan nila. Kaya siya nagmamadaling umalis noong gabi na ‘yun. Recently siya na dini-dispose or tina-transact na sasakyan. ‘Yun ang initial natin na impormasyon."

Perhaps the most unsettling detail provided by investigators is the lack of struggle. Police believe Amin was not forcibly abducted; rather, he likely entered the suspects' vehicle willingly, trusting the people he was with. This aligns with the revelation that a relative was among the last people seen with him.

The Tagaytay Police currently hold CCTV footage captured from various locations both within and outside Metro Manila, tracing the victim's final route.

While the authorities are confident in the evidence they have gathered, they are currently waiting for the victim’s partner to provide a sworn statement to formally cement the filing of charges.

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In a strange development, when news teams visited Amin's last known address to seek comments from the community, the Homeowners Association President claimed they were unfamiliar with the victim, adding another layer of mystery to a life cut short in such a violent manner.

In other news, the municipality of Dueñas, Iloilo, was plunged into mourning following the untimely death of Vice Mayor Aimee Paz Lamasan on December 30 due to a fatal gunshot wound. According to initial police findings, the tragedy occurred while the official was inspecting her personal firearm in preparation for a scheduled gift-giving event later that day. Mayor Robert Martin Pama verified the heartbreaking news through an emotional social media tribute, expressing the town's collective grief over the loss of their leader. While early reports point to an accident, local authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation to firmly establish the sequence of events leading to the fatality.

Still in other news, a 45-year-old American national was found lifeless inside his rented accommodation in Barangay Calamba, Cebu City, on the morning of December 29. Police were dispatched to the scene shortly after 9:00 a.m. when concerned neighbors noticed something was amiss and alerted local authorities. Preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased had been battling pre-existing medical conditions and was known to frequently consume alcohol. Law enforcement officials are currently working to contact the victim's family members in the United States to manage the repatriation and funeral arrangements.

Source: KAMI.com.gh