BATANGAS, Philippines – Police may have recovered the body of missing former Batangas 2^nd District Representative Edgar Mendoza inside a burning private car along with his companions in Tiaong, Quezon on Thursday, 09 January 2020.

However, authorities said ascertaining their true identities may take some time as the victims were burnt to the bones Major Laurenz Panganiban, Tiaong police officer-in-charge said.

But the vehicle was positively identified as belonging to the former Batangas 2nd District representative who was last seen with his driver and aide on Wednesday, January 8.

“Their bodies were burned beyond recognition. Buto na lang ang natira kaya hindi pa namin ma-identify as of this moment (All that was left of them are bones so we have not identified them as of the moment),” Panganiban said adding a DNA test has already performed by the Philippine National Police.

A call by a resident of Barangay San Francisco in Tiaong lead to the discovery of the police of the burning vehicle early Thursday morning.

The police officer in charge also claimed a son of the former congressman in Edgar Carlos Mendoza positively identified the burned vehicle (a Honda Civic) as owned by his father.

The younger Mendoza also found some documents belonging to his father inside of the burnt vehicle.

According to initial investigations Mendoza, his driver, and an aide left the congressman’s residence in Batangas City last Wednesday (January 8) to meet a client in Calamba, Laguna.

“Dumaan pa nga daw sila ng Lipa para doon maglunch (They even passed by Lipa to have lunch)” Panganiban said, quoting Mendoza’s son.

Authorities are still investigating the motive behind the killing of Mendoza and his companions.

Meanwhile, Malacañang expressed outrage over the “death” of Mendoza.

“According to news reports, former Cong. Mendoza and an unidentified person, who was believed to be his aide, were found dead with their bodies set on fire inside the lawmaker’s vehicle. This is an outrageous act of barbarism. The perpetrators of this heinous crime will be pursued till they are placed behind bars,” Presidential Spokesman Sal Panelo said.

“We assure the bereaved family of the deceased that justice will be accorded by prosecuting the people behind this dastardly crime to the fullest extent of the law,” Panelo added.

Malacañang also extended its condolences to the Mendoza family. “As the Palace condemns this recent felony, we express our deep condolences to the family, loved ones, colleagues, and constituents of the late former Congressman Edgar Mendoza.” (JGo/CurrentPH.com)